Truly True

Why is it that what a child says so delights us? A child has not learned to play the game of hiding who or what he really is. One day another teacher visited my sixth grade classroom. She began talking to my students in a ‘sing-songy’ way, She didn’t connect with them at all, and later one student asked with disgust, “Does she always talk like that?”

Some of my favorite comments by children from one facebook friend are:

– “These 3 teeth are really hurting (bottom front). And it’s my favorite place

to chew!!…(sigh).”

– Daughter: “I really like your ‘talking on the phone’ voice, Momma.”
Mother: “What about my regular voice?”
Daughter: “Well, it’s just kinda mean.”

• My very literal 7-year-old…”If Justin Bieber is singing ‘never say never’, then why does he keep saying ‘never’??!!!”

• In the middle of singing a song with Daughter, she says, “PAUSE, Mom! I thought of something!! I love 3 boys that all start with ‘J’!! Joel (daddy), JC and Jesus!!! All J’s, that’s amazing!”

Our four children taught me a lesson in reality with just one question, “How come on Sunday you yell at us and when we get to church, you just smile?” Ouch.

“……and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6

As a little girl, one of my friends asked, “Is that true? Cross your heart?” I replied dutifully, “ It is true, cross my heart and hope to die-true.” In my mind I wondered if it were not true, would I die right there?

Reality is related to truth. There are no hidden agendas, no subterfuge, or devious objective. Reality is the absence of the presence of the counterfeit. Reality is knowing, “What is – IS.” And not having to try to hide it.

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Colossians 2:17

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

There is a fine line between diplomacy and reality. Diplomacy is when being real, one needs to don velvet gloves in order to get across a point with a minimum amount of pain.

Reality is not denying what is, or hiding from truth. This morning on my walk, I checked my rose bush. The first rose of the season lost its red petals in the rain, and I counted many more buds to come. Some of the leaves are marked with black spots. What is, IS! Along with the beautiful rose blooms, are the thorns that prick my fingers. I do not pretend the blemishes are not there, but look on the beauty.

Reality is knowing the truth and not needing to add layers to cover the truth with half-truths. Truth has its own beauty and strength.

Reality is being with my two weekly prayer partners and being able to be me. No need to cover or flavor my words but being honest and open without fear of rejection. Just the way we are with God. This is deep friendship at

‘I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all my people who have turned from me to worship their detestable idols.’ Ezekiel 14:5 (NLT)

Reality is choosing God and not idols that turn us away from God. Idols are the things we worship instead of God, whether it be money, success, or possessions. Our hearts and minds are the target of today’s marketing devices whether business or governments. The latest gadget ownership becomes a status symbol of earthly value. Possession of the latest communication device is to be a tool for God, not a tool that lessens God in our eyes.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. I Corinthians 13:6

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. II John 1:3

Father in Heaven, my prayer is to be truly true and real in my mind and heart. For I know that being truly true is being a child of God. Praise and honor to His Holy Name.