More of the Story: Being seen for who you are

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand. ~ Acts 4:1-4
Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. ~ Brene Brown

The disciples - now apostles - weren't hiding any more.

 Remember that Peter had denied knowing Jesus? So really, he had denied who he himself was.

 Remember that it was the women - not the disciples - who showed up at the foot of the cross.

 Remember that it was the disciples - Peter included - who hid in a room after Jesus had died.

 And now they were showing up.

 They had been so scared to be arrested after Jesus' death. And now? Now they were arrested for teaching about the risen Christ. And there doesn't seem to be any fear in them.

 It can be scary to show the world who we truly are. Maybe we downplay our Christianity with friends who don't go to church.

 Maybe we hide our sexuality or our finances or a dysfunctional family situation.

 But once we know who we truly are - and show who we truly are - God can do all kinds of things with us and for us.

 The truth will set you free it is said. And often it takes courage to let that truth be known.

 But not showing the truth about ourselves can be a prison in and of itself.

 Peter finally knew who he was. He finally admitted who he was and because of it, the world would never be the same.
Prayer: God, who am I? Show me and then help me show it to the world. Amen.




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