The Ministry of Authenticity & Light & Healing

I've been thinking a lot lately about authenticity. I ruminated a bit about that here. And then last night, I started talking about something that riled me to my core.

I've been receiving emails for the My Family Secrets blog. Folks are sharing their painful, hidden secrets--sometimes for the very first time. It's sometimes a burden for me, to hear and bear so many painful secrets. In fact, I think God knew this would be hard for me because He sent a prayer warrior to pray for me as I shouldered all these secrets. I'm thankful for that.

So here's what I said to my husband lat night when I was riled.

So many people don't pursue healing in their lives. They're afraid. It's hard. It's dark. They get stuck in the sins others have inflicted upon them, not

realizing that if they hide all the shame of the secret, they're apt to repeat the same thing for the next generation. I'm so sick of darkness. So sick of hiding. So sick of the Enemy's deception that says, "If you keep this hidden, then you'll be free." It's not true! You must authentically bring your sins and the sins of others to the holy light of Jesus in order to be free. Hiding only makes for a significantly strong chance that you'll do the very thing you hated having done to you.

My husband's eyes widened. (He does this when I start preaching!) As I sat back and thought over my words, I realized afresh that this is what I was made for--for showing others that it is absolutely possible to overcome a difficult past. And the pathway through is painful (telling the truth is), but worth every step.

It's not that I'm anything to marvel at. I've just learned the beauty of authenticity in safe community, and in that learning have seen God heal me. This is the message of my upcoming book, Thin Places. It's a memoir that captures the painful past along with God's intersection into that past. It releases in January, but I already feel the spiritual warfare coming.

Today I read this verse: "For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Corinthians 16:9). Both usually come together, don't they? I sense an opening of a wide door, but alongside that, I sense a broad opposition from the Father of Lies. Even last night I had a terrible dream about a snake coming to attack us all.

So pray for me as I fulfill the ministry God has laid out for me. The ministry of authenticity and light and healing. Pray I'd represent Jesus well, that my service would make Him smile, that I'd gladly sacrifice for His renown. That's my hope.

Comments

[Julie Barnhill]

Mary, we're trekking similar paths set before us by the stirring and direction of God. This verse has been my anchor, "See, the former things have take place and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." Isaiah 42:9.

I'll continue to pray for you--protection on all fronts, discernment, strength, and unity in purpose between you and your husband. I'd ask the same. When we meet at WTP let's allow time for serious prayer.

Love,
Julie

[Cheryl Barker]

Mary, you know you're on the right track when you feel the enemy breathing down your neck. May God bless, empower, and protect you as you move forward in ministry.

[LauraLee@Selah]

Ah Mary, I love your authenticity. Jesus was authentic in every way...there was no duplicity in Him at all. I think it is so great that you are using your successes to help bring His healing to others. Yes, the opposition and persecution will come no doubt, but I will stand in prayer with others to help you through. Isn't it so cool that He has given You this ministry of healing? Not the kind the lays hands on people, but the kind that covers others with His Words. What a beautiful thing!

[Mary DeMuth]

Julie, thanks for walking this journey with me. I would love to pray with you at WTP!

Thanks, Cheryl.

Thanks for your kind words and prayers, LauraLee!

[Madison Richards]

Mary,

Today, of all days, I needed this post.

Today God has told me I need to dive deeper. If I want to write real I have to explore every bit of darkness in each of my characters in order to find the light. This time is about exploration. Not all of the darkness will remain on the page. There will be more edits to come. But for now I need to weed it all out, to slug through the mire until I find the core of truth in each one of them.

Up until now I've been so afraid of their truths. I guess maybe because they might reflect my own. This post is a huge encouragement. Thank you.

And good luck with your new book! I can't wait to read it!

Grace,
Madison

[Mary DeMuth]

Thanks Madison.

In my mentoring, I occasionally come across a writer in a rut. He/she may be skilled to pen a story, but the characters and the emotional journey are too surfacy. It's hard for me to explain how to change that. But this is what I say, usually: "I believe God wants to do something deeper in you. Until you seek what that is, you'll miss out on deepening this book." Then I pray.

May you delve, not just for delving's sake, but for your healing and His glory.

[Miz Melly]

Mary, I'm sure your journey of hope could help in the healing of the thousands of people in this country who suffered abuse in institutions in this country when they were children. Ireland at the minute is having to face the fact that there has been over 70 years of systemic abuse at the hands of religious congregations. This has been brought in to the light and there is more to come apparently. But you stand as an example of the true transformative power of Christ. I hope your books make it over here.

Melanie

[Mary DeMuth]

Melanie,

I heard about that, then read up on it. JUST TERRIBLE!!!! It makes me fighting mad. Grrrrrr.

[Cheryl Pickett]

Mary,
Once again, your post hits home with me. I also recently started a new book project, totally different from my first (which was about publishing). This one is a book that will encourage kids and families in their faith.

I struggled for quite a while as to whether I could/should write it. One of my fears against doing it was the feeling of not being prepared to answer tough questions about being a Christian when they come up, about not being able to witness well enough. Basically, being afraid of the enemy too.

Even though the fear is still there, I started writing in March and in comparison to my first book, many things have fallen into place much easier. I'm moving forward mainly in the thought that God does not always call the equipped, but He equips those He calls. When the arguments come, I'll trust that God will give me what I need to say, or help me point out good resources.

I pray His blessings on your project too. Thanks for sharing, and I look forward to following your journey as well.

Good Writing & God Bless

[Mary DeMuth]

Great words, great journey, Cheryl! How cool that the words are coming easier for you this time!