To be REAL!

This past year (when recovery has been most promising in my life), "realness" has been suggested to me over and over again. And, for once in my life, I think I may be *starting* to get it. More often than not, people try to convince everyone that 'everything is okay'. Well, I submit that this should not be the case. We were created to be honest and real. By hiding our imperfections and our struggles, we are helping the world spread the lie that 'everything SHOULD be okay'. However, our world is fallen, and everyone has struggles! The truth is that we are not okay! When we share our struggles we are showing other people that they are not alone. The truth is----we are NOT alone!---- there are so many people out there that are struggling as we are, as you are. Sadly, since everyone pretends that their life is perfect, we can not reach out and embrace each other. I submit to you to BE REAL! Let us provide hope and love and reassurance to others out there. Also, by being real, you are helping yourself heal. You are important. You are loved. You are beautiful, amazing, and special.

I want to leave you with a song that basically sums up how I feel:

The Real Me
By Natalie Grant

Foolish heart, looks like we're here again.
Same old game of plastic smile, Don't let anybody in.  (lie! We NEED people!)
Hiding my heartache, (don't hide, be real!)
Will this glass house break?
How much will they take before I'm empty?
Do I let it show?
Does anybody know?

CHORUS:
But You see the real me.
Hiding in my skin, broken from within.
Unveil me completely.
I'm loosening my grasp,
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause You see the real me.

Painted on, life is behind a mask,
Self-inflicted circus clown.
I'm tired of the song and dance,
Living a charade, always on parade.
What a mess I've made of my existence.
But You love me even now
And still I see somehow...

CHORUS
But You see the real me.
Hiding in my skin, broken from within.
Unveil me completely.
I'm loosening my grasp,
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause You see the real me.

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When You look at me.
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life
Into a perfect tapestry.
Oh, I just wanna be me,
I Just wanna be me.

CHORUS
But You see the real me.
Hiding in my skin, broken from within.
Unveil me completely.
I'm loosening my grasp,
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause You see the real me.

and you love me just as I am.
wonderful, beautiful is what you see
when you look at me.

~ Regina ~