The day is finally here! I’m so excited to have you with us on this transparency journey.
Being Transparent with Yourself, God, and Others was laid upon my heart several years ago. It was a long journey being able to put the words to the paper, but I knew that was what God had for me. During the time I wrote the book, I struggled through my struggles as I wrote. God worked on my heart even as I penned what He had me to write.
Each week I will present a video for you so it will make the study a bit more personal. There will be questions posted in the comment section under each week’s post and this will be how we communicate and talk with each other. We will learn from each other and hear different stories.
I’m praying God will work in your life and on your heart as you read what so deeply impacted my life. I pray you will be still and listen to God speaking to you.
Here’s your assignment for the week:
- Watch the video below.
- Answer the questions in the comments section of the blog.
- Return a couple of hours later to see what other comments were left and feel free to comment to others’ comments.
- Tell your friends to join you on this journey.
- Read chapter 1 and write out your life story, as outlined in the chapter.
- Pray. Pray that God will open your eyes to ways you can improve. Pray for others who are doing this study that God would work in their lives. Pray for personal revival in the hearts of all Christians and those who don’t know Jesus as their personal Savior.
© 2016 Susan M. Sims
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Buy the books here: Being Transparent: With Yourself, God, and Others and the Leader’s Discussion Guide
Question #1 – What do you hope to get out of this study?
I lead a Bible study at my church but we take a break over the summer! I thought it would be nice to join us online Bible study to keep me accountable to some other ladies over the summer while my schedule is a little different and on vacation and out of the routine! But still wanted to stay in The Word & challenged to think about its application to my life right now!
To be real, authentic and genuine.
I want to stay connected to the word during a time of transition in my life.
Question #2 – What part about transparency is hard for you?
I am a pastor’s wife and sometimes there is a higher level of expectation for those of us in the public eye and in ministry! I try to be open & honest with my small group of ladies but there is just only so far i feel I should go as far as being transparent!
Jill, I understand. While my husband isn’t always in pastoral ministry (he’s been assigned to education) he is now bi-vocational and looking for volunteer ministry in our new city. While we have found a small group of new friends, transparency is a struggle for me, especially as I might become the new “staff pastor’s wife”.
Life can be overwhelming and filled with emotion(good and bad). How to express life/Christ in an appropriate way that is real and authentic.
Question #3 – What positive aspects can you name about being transparent?
When people are transparent it helps them to grow closer to each other and to bond over possible similar experiences or feelings that are shared! We can help each other better by being open & honest!
Trust others will see Christ through me if I empty
Myself and allow Him to fill me
Question #4 – How has transparency helped or hindered accountability groups from what you’ve seen?
In general, I think it’s a good thing! It usually is cathartic for the people who share, encourages others to share & as “iron sharpens iron” we help eat other through the process! When it becomes a problem is when someone monopolizes the group by sharing their problems constantly & it’s just too much!
Concern of lack of confidentiality in a small group. Usually small groups are wonderful, especially with a good leader
I’ve mostly been in tightly bonded small groups that have functioned as accountability groups. However, once a group becomes too large, sometimes transparency suffers. I have found sometimes smaller groups form within a small group, or wives and husbands find they need to split and form gender only groups. Finding an accountability group of 2-3 people isn’t always easy.
Question #5 – List your top 3 goals for what you’d like to get out of this Bible study.
1. Stay in the Word
2. Acquire new insight
3. Possibly make new “friends”
1. Like Jill, remain and/or grow deeper in God’s word
2. Gain new insights into what it is to be transparent and authentic
3. Figure out how to write my life story as requested
Loved watching your first video! Mighty proud of you and pray God uses these online studies to help lives in their spiritual journey.
What do you mean, “Loved watching your first video?” How many other ladies are doing this study? I don’t see any other comments! I hope I’m doing it right! ?
Yes, Jill, you are doing this the right way. I’m so glad to have you here! This was my first video, so you are right on schedule. Can’t wait to hear all the other responses. 🙂
Welcome, Debbie!!! Glad you could make it.
Thank you so much Susan for this opportunity.
Glad you could make it. Looking forward to the next few weeks together.