It is more than a challenge, it is frightening...

To start something that exposes you to the world is a challenge, and, the truth is - it is more than a challenge, it is frightening. 

You are expected to be open, transparent, authentic, and finally – reveal your soft vulnerable side to a jaded and mocking world.  “Show us who you are”, they demand.  “We want to feel connected to you, share your innermost thoughts with us.  Help us want to help you …”

With courage, in the face of your fears, you try.  Standing there above a crowd of onlookers you tell your story, you give your heart, and you extend your energy towards their wavering attention.   As words of your story fall upon their minds; as your heart reaches theirs; and as your energy touches their spirit, mixed reactions roll back to you.

Through the crowd of known and unknown faces you hear mocking laughter, murmurs of scorn and worst yet – gaping silence.  Struggling to understand your heart asks, “But, didn’t you ask me to show you who I am?  Why are you doing this?” Varying emotions wrap you in confusion.

Bewildered and hurt, you start to descend, hoping that the mass of the crowd will swallow you into forgotten memory… But!  My friend, I would encourage you, do not!  Do not quit!

Listen: mingled amongst the jaded hearts and mocking minds are the words of gratitude for sharing, the encouragement to keep going, the advice that helps you, and with the softest whisper – love.  

Look: see the tears streaming down the faces of people who have fought to find their own words, find their sought-for expressions in your composition.  See the eyes that were dull, spark with life.  Find hope revived and inspiration breathing strength over the weary.  Find love being restored to those that simply needed your presence to touch and awaken them.

It is frightening to start something that exposes you to the world and it is challenging to stay where you are called to stand, but there is a reason you feel called to stand above the crowd and share:  no one in this world, in the history of mankind past and future, has the gift of giving you as well as you do. 

Have no fear my friend - nothing in this world will be returned Void.  Embrace those in the crowd that connect with you and give love to those who don’t.