“May I never consider my weaknesses and faults the larger or most authentic part of me.” – From Prayer: 40 Days of Practice 

My experience of the suggestion “let’s get real” is that it is often code for “let’s talk about darkness.” The underlying assumption being that what is most real in you and I is that which is most broken and that which remains unchanged and unredeemed.

That’s just not true.

Do you have a solid family? That’s a gift. And that gift is a real part of who you are.

Does your job fulfill you and cover your life’s expenses? That’s a gift. And that gift is a real part of who you are.

Getting real doesn’t mean getting negative. Sure, you may have some dark corners you’re not facing.. but just as likely, I’d bet “getting real” might mean recognizing how good you actually have it.

Consider “getting real” by actively and prayerfully being thankful for who you are, whose you are, what you have and the ways you are empowered to help others.