INVITATION TO HONESTY
PRACTICES
WE INVITE YOU TO PRACTICE WITH US
In a culture of falsehood, fear, and ego, you are invited to a life of honesty, love, and hope. We practice courageous vulnerability, unconditional love, and living hope.
Below are QUESTIONS AND ACTIONS that you can work through on your own or with someone else. You could even start an ITH group and use this template as a discussion, prayer, and action guide.
COURAGEOUS VULNERABILITY
You can be honest about the pain and complexities you face. The truth is, you're not alone, even in your deepest challenges. There are others who have been where you are right now. Hope and healing are possible. It takes courageous vulnerability to begin the conversation.
BE HONEST WITH SOMEONE
QUESTION // Who can you be completely honest with? Have you been honest with anyone recently?
ACTION // Make a list of potential safe people to talk to and set up a phone call or meeting today (friend, family member, faith leader, etc).
BE HONEST WITH GOD
QUESTION // Have you considered prayer? Have you talked with God about your challenges?
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ACTION // Pour out your heart to God in prayer. He invites your honesty and will meet you there. An example, an example, and a promise.
GET HELP
QUESTION // Have you considered every possible source of help? Is there something holding you back from seeking professional counsel?
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ACTION // Don't hesitate to get professional help. It's worth talking to someone to gain objective insight about your inner life. Learn about some options in your area and/or online here.
START HELPING OTHERS
QUESTION // When was the last time you listened to someone else about their challenges? What are some ways you could be an encouragement to them? Who comes to mind?
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ACTION // It's not all about you and that's good news. Help someone, be an encouragement, and make a commitment to serve regularly somewhere (community center, church, non profit, etc).
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
You are likely not used to freely receiving love, especially right at the point of your struggles and fears. To practice unconditional love is to be formed into your secure identity by repeatedly receiving and giving the unconditional love of God.
RECEIVE LOVE
QUESTION // Who has loved you and cared for you? Have you ever been able to rest in that love?
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ACTION // If you have people that love you, you are blessed. Make a list of those who love you and determine to accept their love apart from earning or measuring up. Thank them for loving you.
FIND IDENTITY IN LOVE
QUESTION // Who are you? Have you ever considered that there is a God who loves you right now as you are?
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ACTION // In the words of Henri Nouwen, "We are not what we do, we are not what we have, we are not what others think of us. Coming home is claiming the truth. I am the beloved child of a loving creator." Make a conscious effort to find your identity and security in the love of God today. More materials here.
OFFER LOVE
QUESTION // Who do you love? Is your life more centered around them or around you? What if the greatest joy and happiness was loving those around you?
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ACTION // Make a list of people that you can unconditionally love, serve, and give your life to. Focus your attention on them starting now.
LIVING HOPE
No amount of therapy or best practices are enough apart from the truth that sets us free. We believe this truth is found through becoming an honest seeker of God. We believe that our living hope is a person named Jesus. To practice living hope is to follow the way of Jesus.
PURSUE TRUTH
QUESTION // Have you ever considered that there is a deeper reality about who you are, who God is, and what life is all about?
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ACTION // Become an honest seeker of God today. Fill your mind with truth. You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. A promise, a command, and an example.
PRACTICE THE WAY OF JESUS
QUESTION // Have you ever considered how the words of Jesus may apply to you? How they could change your life?
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ACTION // We believe that our living hope is a person named Jesus and He invites you to follow Him as you are. You could start by prayerfully reading and responding to the Gospel of John.
FIND COMMUNITY
QUESTION // Who is carrying your burdens? Whose burdens are you carrying?
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ACTION // Resist the tendency to isolate when struggling. You will suffer in isolation. Get up, take the risk, find community. You will heal in community. We encourage you to commit to a local church family that teaches God's Word and practices the way of Jesus.