Transparency...

 Why is it that as humans we want others to see us only at our best?  Do we think that showing others our struggles that we are showing them that we are weak?  I don't think so.  I think if we are not able to share with others our weaknesses and our struggles than we don't have any true friends or real connections with others.  I also believe that if we aren't able to share with others what we have gone through and how we have triumphed we are not contributing to humanity.  Perhaps it is uncomfortable and distressing to hear the truth.  But we can all relate to each other in some way if we share with others our true stories.  I just attended an event that was put together for a woman who has breast cancer.  She has three young children and a loving husband.  She is a beautiful person inside and out.  It was amazing to see many many friends, neighbors, old college friends, people from the community, come together to help this beautiful family raise money so that they will be able to fight for their cause; her precious life.  I am sure that if you asked each person who put in hours of service, donated goods and services, and attended this event-  each one would say that they felt it an honor to be able and help in some way- large or small.  Just imagine if this woman with cancer kept her struggles a secret.  If she decided that it was just to much to share or if it would be embarrassing to admit that they couldn't do it alone.  That they wanted to do everything they could to fight, but wouldn't be able to pay for what lay ahead.  She wouldn't have given hundreds of people the opportunity to serve and help her and her family- and we wouldn't feel the joy that comes from helping others and learning that in spite of our trials, we do the best we can.  When we help others - our lives become more meaningful and less mundane.  We are able to appreciate the simple things in life. We need each other.  We need to learn from each other.  It is important and valuable to know our stories- to share our stories with those around us.  When I know the stories- the real stories of those around me... I love them more.