I think a proper title for this blog would have been “The Truth Taboo” but, let me keep you intrigued. I hope you’ve been well lately and all is ‘kosher’ at your end. I’ve been doing a lot of deep thinking in the recent times – reviewing people, situations and circumstances more closely than I used to. It seems like most people avoid wanting to hear the truth. I mean, they’ll rather you look the other way or pretend like you did not even notice what’s wrong. At first I was very confused because pretense is not my strong suit but as I delved deeper into the various situations, I came up with several reasons why people turn their ears off from hearing the truth.
For most people, the truth can be uncomfortable because it challenges their beliefs, self-esteem, or current perceptions. When they have to face difficult realities, it might evoke feelings of guilt, shame, or fear of change, making denial or avoiding tempting options.
Some people also fear the consequences of truth, for example, the truth might damage relationships, cause them to face criticism, or risk being embarrassed. Sometimes, the truth conflicts with personal or societal narratives that provide comfort or stability, leading some individuals to prefer ignorance over discomfort. In some cases, there’s a natural human tendency to protect oneself from emotional pain or upheaval. Avoiding the truth can also be a defense mechanism designed to preserve a sense of control or self-image.
The reasons are countless but the weight and burden of carrying or living a lie supersedes all these reasons for hearing the truth. While the truth can be tough, I strongly believe that embracing it often leads to growth, understanding, and better decisions. The bible tells us in Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) that we must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to each other for we are all members of one body (Paraphrased). So, why can’t we just be truthful to one another and ease off from the burden of carrying a pretense or having to look the other way?
My prayer this week is that we will all be empowered to encourage open and compassionate communication that can help create a safe space where people feel more willing to confront difficult realities. Embracing the truth will help us deal with issues in a much healthier way to bring about growth and peace. Always remember that FORGIVENESS is available to all.
XOXO,
Lady Abena.