The Ugly Truth & Beautiful Lie
I pour out genuine, unfiltered ugly experiences, even if they don’t necessarily fit the mold of what’s likable in the writing or social media environment.
Sure not all my work or post are ugly. I share uplifting moments too as they come as well. But the ugly truth is I share things that others only wish they could… and wish I wouldn’t!
Social media often showcases picture perfect smiles, picturesque vacation destinations, ideal couple- goal marriages, well-behaved children, and hallmark events. The allure of likes fuels our egos.
Is our motivation for projecting this version of life driven by more than just ego? Are we seeking envy for a life that we might not be fully experiencing?
What if we had the courage to openly share the reality—the struggles of overcoming a cheating spouse, enduring a nasty divorce, and the challenges of parenting difficult, tearful children? The relentless fights and the nights when we surrender, only to rise again and confront a new day tomorrow.
What if we just put it all out there—the messy fights against drug addiction, the secrets we keep, the pain that lingers, and the moments we want to throw in the towel but can’t quite break free? What if we let ourselves be that vulnerable and real?
What if we bared it all—the edited social media, the messy and organized homes, the challenges of stay-at-home and working moms, the feelings of being lost, the vulnerabilities of weakness, being unhealthy and at your own hands —what if we shared it shared that ugly truth -instead of the beautiful lie? Would people look away, or would they dive in for gossip sake?
Is the truth too ugly? It’s not popular to be ugly. It’s doesn’t get likes. It’s shameful and embarrassing. How can you live like that!
Here is some ugly truth…
Deep down, we all grapple with the less-than-pretty—the messy corners of our homes and the vulnerabilities in our hearts. Even the most sincere among us shoulder pain, wrestle with struggles, face weaknesses, and contend with a past that the enemy exploits. It’s in these moments of distorted contentment or the acceptance of lies that we may inadvertently believe our lives are superior to others. Maybe we tick ourselves into believing that we are the imaginary we post- the beautiful lie.
I am not above this myself. I have edited my puffy eyes out of pictures. I defend things I should confess and hang on to things I should let go of. I call people out—no doubt I have high standards that I don’t always meet myself. I disappear when I need to be more present. My brick wall is very high and thick… I know I have a fortress that is hard and has made me pretty hard as well. I’m far from a saint.
I write the things that turn your stomach and frustrate you. But you probably relate more than you would admit. It’s not all smiles, ice cream cones, and happy faces. It’s real and ugly sometimes around here.
The real gift lies in the truth and love given to us by God—the redemption we find in His grace. It’s the reason I can navigate this world, sharing the words that may seem carefree. It’s not that I don’t care; I simply carry the assurance of being protected, blessed, and recognized as one of the 99. I wouldn’t be authentic to God and person He made me to be if I was anything but this bold person… likes or not.
I’m not here for likes. I’m here for Heaven. And that’s the beautiful truth!
SK-
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