Behind Those Eyes - Chapter 10

I am so far behind on my Behind Those Eyes post that I was tempted not to do it. Funny, though because I have enjoyed this study so much that it just seems as if I should post nothing else until this one is written.

This is the final chapter in what has been a wonderful, thought provoking, friend making, attitude changing and freeing study.

When I first decided to participate, it was healing that I was hoping for. So, I love the chapter title, The Truth Heals. I saw that title when I first flipped through the pages of the book, before reading it. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. It was a truth - but a false truth - that had my feelings in the pit, and my authenticity in hiding. I was afraid of the truth because in my mind, "the truth hurts."

Recent hurting truths in my life: the broken relationship with the one who I called "best" friend, the death of my father in law, the death of a dear friend day before yesterday, unexpectedly. She was only 51 and had common gallbladder surgery. The list goes on and on, and yes, it hurts.

Oh but friends, I have been so lovingly and gently reminded that although the truth might hurt, it is so beautifully healing when God's truth is the truth that I live by.

The truth that really hurts is that I am a sinner, that I sin against God and God alone. And you know, sometimes life just stinks. But oh, how He loves me and when He reveals HIS truth to me, I am truly free and healed. In her book, Lisa so beautifully put it this way,

"Women, the truth does hurt: we are flawed...we are selfish...we are unlovely...and we are unworthy of the love of almighty God. But fortunately for us, that is not the end of the story. There is more truth we should know. The truth is also that we are loved...we are accepted...we are wanted...we are important to God...and we are His beautiful creations."

And the healing that I was hoping for when I picked up this book is certainly happening. I had been using that soothing balm that Lisa referred to, and now I am applying the healing balm. It is not necessarily easy, but I do know that it is the real healing, the permanent healing. Lisa writes,

"Know this, my sisters and friends: Jesus is the only One who can truly heal our souls, from the inside out. The healing balm He provides is on a different level altogether from any other soothing balm. The results of His balm in our lives are not temporary and don't wipe off, wear off, or come off. It's not a quick fix. The balm of our heavenly Father is the gift of peace and joy and spiritual growth and unconditional love that is ours for the taking. And it is the gift that allows us to know the sometimes-ugly truth about ourselves, and yet be set free by it."

I am a little melancholy as I complete this final post as the story is not really over, but I journey on determined to live my life matching up what is behind my eyes to what others are seeing.

I hope to see all of my bloggy Bible study friends around the world wide web, and who knows...

Lisa, thank you for the wonderful writing of this book, and your participation with us. You are an inspiration and it is a joy to have been a part of this.

Lelia, thank you for your heart for women and His word. I love what you are doing and am blessed to call you Friend. I look forward to January when we do Self Talk Soul Talk.

I look forward to reading from all the rest of you.

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32