Being Transparent: Being Happy for Others

Sometimes, it's scary being transparent. I want to share from my heart, be honest with what's going on, and hopefully encourage as much as I can. But with putting yourself out there, there are those who will judge you, discourage you, mock you, and not like you. So when I go to blog, or post a status, or share a photo, I want to share about my life, but in the back of my mind, I feel like there are those who could care less about what I have to say. Anyone else ever feel that way?! That when you go to share something on social media, even though no one is necessarily saying things about you, your mind begins to wonder off in that direction? I hate that. There are so many times when I share a photo of my husband and I that I have to fight off the "what ifs." "What if they think I'm bragging? What if no one cares? What if people are tired of seeing me happy? What if they think I am faking it?"And then I am reminded: If I feel good about sharing something, I should share it. And you should too! I know I am not the only one in feeling this way. One day I was talking to one of my sisters, and we were talking about how we get so happy/excited about something that we want to share it with the world, but fear that others will think we aren't being grateful enough, that we are bragging, that we are trying to show off. Oh, how far off from the truth that is. 

As a woman who so desperately wants to start a family, I can't tell you how many times I have scrolled through social media only to see hundreds of smiling baby posts, pregnancy announcements, etc. A few months after my ectopic pregnancy, there was a baby announcement literally EVERY day. I didn't WANT to be jealous, and I didn't want to be upset at the person posting such a happy moment in their life, but that is where I found myself, and I knew I had to get my heart right. I had to get rid of bitterness and jealousy before I could truly be happy for someone else. It hasn't been smooth to come to this point in my life, but I truly believe that I've made huge strides in learning how to be happy for others. Please don't think that this is for anyone specific. I'm just sharing this as an example because it's come up in conversations lately, and I don't want people to think that they have to tip toe their happy life with a baby around me! SHARE THOSE SWEET MOMENTS. The laughing, the cooing, the crying, the crawling, the sleeping. Share away and I will love every moment you share with me. I know when the day comes for me to share pictures like that, I want you to like seeing them too, haha (just being honest) :)!!

And in this season of my life, whatever I have, whatever I do, I want my life to point to Christ. There are days I will fail at this, but I want to be free to be myself. And you have every right to be yourself! I want to share with others what makes me happy. If that is my husband, my home, my dog, my family, photos of the sky, and Jesus, then I shouldn't be afraid to share that. I'm learning to be content with the things I do have, instead of being upset by what I don't. Can you relate? My challenge to you (and myself) is to be HAPPY for others. Truly. Encourage others. Share in their joy. Because it's easy to share in each others sufferings, when the world seems to be against us, and all we want to do is wallow in sadness. But can you share joy with someone who is experiencing something amazing in their life? YES, YOU CAN! If we are there for each other, we are there for the good and bad. The moments that bring tears to our eyes, and the moments that make us want to shout from the rooftops with gladness.

Just wanted to share that this afternoon. Keep posting & let your hearts be free to share with others what brings you JOY! :)

Becky