Junius B. Dotson writes, “I believe with all my heart that vulnerability and authenticity are the only way to find wholeness in Jesus Christ. We’re not meant to gloss over or skim the surface, pretending our way through life. Jesus invites us to be real with him and with one another. Within [the pages of Soul Reset] are stories of my depression, despair, burnout, and shame. I’m not here to tell you that followers of Jesus will always have big houses, pain-free living, and all the happiness in the world. It’s just not true. I’m not here to tell you that leaders, regardless of the scope of their public platforms, have it all together and never suffer pain, loss, or sadness. I am here to tell you that I believe in the… healing love and salvation in Jesus Christ, who walks with us in the valleys and brings beauty from ash heaps again and again and again…” Rev Dotson then poses this question?
“How can we create a community where we can be authentic and honest about our struggles as well as our joys? Share your thoughts.”
My thoughts, as long as we live ‘grave life’ like unto Lazarus wrapped and bound to the grave we will never be authentic. We will be mask wearers and remain in the ‘grave life.’ Lazarus’ sisters’ knew he was ill and sent for help… they sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Whoa, they took upon themselves to remind Jesus Lazarus is someone You ❤️ love. Yet, Jesus took His time until the appointed time.
Then Jesus said these crucial words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” They believed the words of Jesus leasing the authentic, truth, healing…Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Be Kind! Share truth! Share help! Remember a few years ago when Christmas rolled around some of us would send cards, Jesus is the reason for the season. We were so right. The bigger reality He is the reason we need Him in every season of life. Let’s seek help for one another in the good times as well as the struggle times.
Again, the ❓ “Rev Dotson then poses this question?
“How can we create a community where we can be authentic and honest about our struggles as well as our joys? Share your thoughts.”
Truth is a kindness! It is encased in the skin of the fruit of the spirit. ““And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24 ESV
In this day when it seems our moral compass has gone haywire, it is comforting to read your insightful statement, Sara: “Truth is a kindness! It is encased in the skin of the fruit of the spirit.”
It reminded me of a something from Psalm 141:5:”A righteous person may strike me or correct me out of kindness. It is like lotion for my head.”
It would seem in order to make headway in order to “create a community where we can be authentic and honest about our struggles as well as our joys? ,” we have to be willing to welcome the sort of kindness that Psalm 141:5 speaks of because that “Truth is a kindness!”…and it will help us find the wholeness that Rev Dotson speaks of.
Debi, well thought out and kindly given. “Truth is a kindness.” It’s like fresh water springing forth in our whole being and that includes clearing of the mind. The verse you quote, Lotion for our head from a correctional strike is better than a beach vacation with suntan lotion it seems.
Oh, the joy of studying the Word of God, sharing the Word of God and living a fruitful life is kindness. The kind that flows from the Throne of God through God’s helping hearts, hands and mouths.
I’v heard of those that hide and wear a mask and then wonder why God didn’t help? Loki’s as though Rev Dotson gives some correction for head lotion results.
thedailylily.com 
Love the picture and what it says…beautiful!
Junius B. Dotson writes, “I believe with all my heart that vulnerability and authenticity are the only way to find wholeness in Jesus Christ. We’re not meant to gloss over or skim the surface, pretending our way through life. Jesus invites us to be real with him and with one another. Within [the pages of Soul Reset] are stories of my depression, despair, burnout, and shame. I’m not here to tell you that followers of Jesus will always have big houses, pain-free living, and all the happiness in the world. It’s just not true. I’m not here to tell you that leaders, regardless of the scope of their public platforms, have it all together and never suffer pain, loss, or sadness. I am here to tell you that I believe in the… healing love and salvation in Jesus Christ, who walks with us in the valleys and brings beauty from ash heaps again and again and again…” Rev Dotson then poses this question?
“How can we create a community where we can be authentic and honest about our struggles as well as our joys? Share your thoughts.”
My thoughts, as long as we live ‘grave life’ like unto Lazarus wrapped and bound to the grave we will never be authentic. We will be mask wearers and remain in the ‘grave life.’ Lazarus’ sisters’ knew he was ill and sent for help… they sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Whoa, they took upon themselves to remind Jesus Lazarus is someone You ❤️ love. Yet, Jesus took His time until the appointed time.
Then Jesus said these crucial words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” They believed the words of Jesus leasing the authentic, truth, healing…Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Be Kind! Share truth! Share help! Remember a few years ago when Christmas rolled around some of us would send cards, Jesus is the reason for the season. We were so right. The bigger reality He is the reason we need Him in every season of life. Let’s seek help for one another in the good times as well as the struggle times.
Again, the ❓ “Rev Dotson then poses this question?
“How can we create a community where we can be authentic and honest about our struggles as well as our joys? Share your thoughts.”
Truth is a kindness! It is encased in the skin of the fruit of the spirit. ““And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24 ESV
In this day when it seems our moral compass has gone haywire, it is comforting to read your insightful statement, Sara: “Truth is a kindness! It is encased in the skin of the fruit of the spirit.”
It reminded me of a something from Psalm 141:5:”A righteous person may strike me or correct me out of kindness. It is like lotion for my head.”
It would seem in order to make headway in order to “create a community where we can be authentic and honest about our struggles as well as our joys? ,” we have to be willing to welcome the sort of kindness that Psalm 141:5 speaks of because that “Truth is a kindness!”…and it will help us find the wholeness that Rev Dotson speaks of.
Debi, well thought out and kindly given. “Truth is a kindness.” It’s like fresh water springing forth in our whole being and that includes clearing of the mind. The verse you quote, Lotion for our head from a correctional strike is better than a beach vacation with suntan lotion it seems.
Oh, the joy of studying the Word of God, sharing the Word of God and living a fruitful life is kindness. The kind that flows from the Throne of God through God’s helping hearts, hands and mouths.
I’v heard of those that hide and wear a mask and then wonder why God didn’t help? Loki’s as though Rev Dotson gives some correction for head lotion results.