According to the World English Dictionary -transparent means to 1. permitting the uninterrupted passage of light; clear: a window is transparent 2. easy to see through, understand, or recognize; obvious 3. (of a substance or object) permitting the free passage of electromagnetic radiation: a substance that is transparent to X-rays 4. candid, open, or frank.
I just love the reference in the definition above to an “uninterrupted passage of light”. During our first LIDs session with Dr. Liz Rios we discussed the qualities a Healthy Leader has and traits an unhealthy leader possesses. Each leader provided the group with their expectations of the course; which can I say included a lot of transparency and honesty from each of us. We put it all out on the table for our fellow LIDs to see and hear. I know that God is going to do some great things through this group because of our hunger to serve and love His people.
I value transparency from the people in my life and I realize the value and importance of providing it to others. You see, I grew up in a generation where church folks did not appreciate transparency. When you were asked how you were doing, your answer should always be "In Victory, my brother or sister". They somehow made you feel that this was some type of weakness or even lack of faith in your situation if you shared with folks how you really felt, so you sucked it up and put on a great big SMILE!
Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating "full disclosure" of our personal and intimate life to everyone- that you leave for your safe people and the ones in your inner-circle. Like Dr. Liz explained, not everyone can handle "your full transparency". We need to pray and ask God to give us discernment as to not “harm” young believers with our actions. I believe that there are some things that you only share with God, there are other things that you share with the few in your inner-circle and then there are things you share with people that are struggling or can learn from your situation. I don't know about you but I don't want to fall on my face because I am too prideful to take someone's advice who has experienced what I am struggling with. When we show and tell believers of what God's grace and mercy has done for us, we are not only glorifying God but we are also encouraging them that someone has lived through something similar and made it to the other side!!! I don't know about you but I want to be that encourager and I want that type of encourager in my life!!!!
I encourage us to grow in our transparency in leadership!
