The Healing Power of Transparency

I still marvel at how transparency opens the flood gates for healing.  There is something about sharing a private weakness or need in a safe place that puts us in position to receive healing.  I remember living on board ship when I was a sailor and being at anchor in different ports or sailing in differing waters.  I was in the Navy during the Viet Nam war so there were enemies that would have loved to do us harm. I remember when we were inside San Diego Bay we felt safe and secure.  It was easy to rest there.  I can remember being in the waters near North Korea when we remained at General Quarters or at combat readiness around the clock.  You could never feel completely comfortable in combat dress.  Friendly waters was a place of peace and rest.  

I'm a part of a small group of men that have been meeting weekly for several months.  We pray and discuss chapters from a book we are reading.  When the group first started there was a bit of discomfort and sharing feelings of the heart were more guarded.  It was like "General Quarters."  As the months have gone by the group has been secured from General Quarters and now we seem to be sailing in more peaceful waters.  Not a week goes by that someone doesn't receive some form of healing.  You can see it in their eyes.  They have chosen to relax and trust the safety of the harbor of friendship.  James 516 tells us, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."  This powerful verse tells us that if we make ourselves vulnerable to others then healing can flow as they pray for us.  However, you need to be very, very careful where you share your sins or weaknesses.  Not all waters are safe waters.  It takes time to develop relationships where you will be loved regardless of your weakness.  Covenant love is a powerful force in the Kingdom of God.  To betray it is a great spiritual crime.  To protect covenant among believers is a sign of our conversion and sanctification.  May the Lord help us value and protect the safe waters of Christian Brotherhood and in doing so maintain a safe harbor of healing.