READ: ROMANS 15:7; COLOSSIANS 2:12-13; 3:9-14; 1 PETER 5:6

If we were real with God, that deep well of frustration,

discontentment, or fear could be emptied

one putrid bucket at a time

and filled with His unfailing love, faithfulness, and grace.

Without recognition and an honest emptying of the ugly,

how can we make room for the beauty

so we can be filled with healing?

If we were real with ourselves, allowing the truth

of the gospel to seep into the depths of our soul,

it would illuminate that which needs change

Uncomfortable, exposed, but necessary.

Once we let go of the facade, the real work begins

Truth, acceptance, change.

If we were real with others, perceptions could be past

Strongholds would be smashed.

Looking into each other’s eyes,

we would see the reality and breathe deep,

knowing we are not alone.

The struggle is real.

The reality? Everyone struggles.

Yet, because of Jesus, we can

embrace the real, because really,

who wants to live a lie?

Make way for the awkward, hard,

embarrassing, in-your-face truth

Make way for real. • Savannah Coleman

• In what ways do you feel like you can’t be authentic? How does Jesus’s forgiveness free us?

Don’t lie to each other…Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you… Colossians 3:9, 13 (NLT)