BE REAL
Real people experience their share of joy, pain, struggles, and victories. Ministry spouses experience their share of the same. We're real people too, right? But sometimes we get the idea that because we are the minister's spouse, we can't share the real stuff that's happening in our life. We place the expectation on ourselves to always appear happy, put together, and free from struggle.
But God doesn't expect that from you. And the reality is, most church members don't expect that from you either. They know what real life is like. Galatians 6:2 tells us to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (NKJV). That doesn't mean that you are just supposed to be there to support your members as they go through the ups and downs of life, but that you need their suport too.
Begin praying for trustworthy friends and prayer partners. When God starts brining them into your life, be willing to be transparent. Real people connect with real people. When you are willing to be vulnerable and share from your heart, you will be surprised by the support, connection, and friendship you find. If you try to live up to the expectation of always appearing happy and never facing trials, others will only reciprocate with the same superficial, false facade.
Being real and transparent can be hard, but it is so freeing! Don’t be afraid to share about the victories in your life, or to ask for prayer regarding a tough time you're facing. This doesn’t mean that we should share our doubts or faithlessness. But when you share real things in an appropriate way, people will connect with you, support you, and feel comfortable to share about their own lives. They will respect you for actually being willing to be real!
Have a survival tip that someone shared with you once upon a time, or that you have learned along the way? Send it in to share here at: [email protected]
