Scary Close

Don Miller recently released a book titled, 'Scary Close'. I didn't read it. Still, I was fascinated, intrigued by the sound of it, "scary close". Here is my own summary of what I think/feel about these words. It hasn't really got anything to do with the physical journey we are on, but spiritually and emotionally - those boxes are pretty much ticked.

In my previous blog I quoted Hosea 4:6, "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." My own understanding of this verse has since progressed. In Hebrew context the word 'knowledge' is translated to 'intimacy'. In other words, "my people are destroyed for lack of intimacy."

Have you ever looked and considered man’s dire need for intimacy? The way we hunger and thirst for attention, affection, appreciation – anything alike, so long as not to have to be alone. Mans’ soul craves togetherness more than it does most things, if not everything. There is just so much beauty and character and diversity to an individual that without being able to share that with someone means nothing.

In writing this very piece of humble artwork, I have a similar type of need. I need to know that someone believes in or agrees with the message I am trying to get over. I want you to understand why it is I am doing what I now do, and find hope in it too. Without your response, my need goes unfulfilled. Now this need that I have – of desperately desiring a response – is key. It’s a need for affirmation and empowerment, but above all, it’s a need to know that I am not alone. I need a reaction, someone to tell me that they can relate to this. Can you relate to this type of need?

That need is what this is about. It’s a need for relationship, a need for intimacy. Whether we notice it or not, it is central to our nature to search for intimacy. It is woven into our inner being and carved onto our hearts. Everyone dreams of meeting this need, and everyone pursues it and often enough, it has a way of meeting you in places you never expected.

I have this theory, well in fact I have many, but this one demands to be heard. I believe every person has a good heart, and I believe this with all my heart. At times, this theory seems bizarre as people do horrible things. At times it seems even more bizarre because I also believe that what people do is a reflection of their heart – and at times that means no heart. So it’s a bizarre theory.

Nonetheless, have you ever stopped to consider that everyone’s circumstances are different, and that each person is in essence a result of their circumstances? Each man builds his own empire according to his/her own beliefs, values, ideals and morals, but have you ever stopped to consider the ground you are building on? What I am really trying to emphasize on is this, if what you do comes out of who you believe you are, why do you do the things that you do?

It’s a tough question. It’s tough because it often comes across as offensive, and more likely than not it makes you seem and/or feel vulnerable. The foundations of your empire are shaken by such a question as it comes like an earthquake. It makes you feel like you’ve missed something, possibly heading in the wrong direction. But there’s more to it, much more. ‘Offend the mind to expose the heart.’ – How vulnerable is a heart when it is exposed? There isn’t a person who wouldn’t feel vulnerable were their heart to be exposed, laid bare and unveiled.

People don’t like to be challenged when it comes to certain areas, but no character was ever produced in the comfort zone. Bob Marley left us with this, ‘being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.’ In essence, vulnerability leads to intimacy. Knowing this is comforting, because we often find ourselves in vulnerable positions – even more so when we look at it as an opportunity for intimacy.

And so, to conclude my theory, this is about looking beyond who a person appears to be. This is about looking beyond the person’s background and circumstances. This is about the heart, discovering where it is currently at. This is about passion and compassion. This is about people, sharing, reaching out and connecting. This is about you and I – Unveiled & Intimate.
It is often said, ‘hindsight is the perfect science’. At some point or another we have to reflect on our lives. It’s not easy because looking back I notice how my actions haven’t connected all too well with my intentions. Who I am didn’t quite reflect who I thought I was. Reflecting on the journey has been scary, writing it down has been challenging and here's why I share it with you. Obviously it is then yours to do with whatever you want. My hope is that it will create a ripple effect of stories, attracting those who are needy and awakening those who claim not to be. There is much freedom and hope that comes from sharing stories, and so it would be selfish to not recommend it.

'Whoever survives a test, whatever it may be, must tell the story. That is his duty.'
~ Elie Wiesel

'Every person you meet today has a story to tell and a lesson to teach, will you hear it?’ ~ Robin Sharma

To the author of intimacy, thank you Jesus.

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