#CarrieOn : Truth
“I have to be honest”.
Have you noticed how often people say that? “I have to be honest with you…” You know when that is the opening line, it is likely that something unpleasant is about to follow. It reminds me of the phrase so many of my middle school girls like to use: “I don’t want to be mean, but….” Wait a second! YES! Yes, you DO want to be mean ~ prefacing it with that does not make it okay!
“I have to be honest”. Can we just all agree that yes, we ALL have to be honest? Honesty is how we build trust. Honesty is how we build teams. Honesty is how we build community. If you are a leader of others, honesty is a character trait that is non-negotiable...but HOW you are honest, now that is a thing!
People need the truth. Now more than ever, truth is more valuable than gold. The onslaught of untruths in our society is overwhelming. So much so I hear people often say now: “I don’t even know what to believe” or even more concerning “I don’t even know WHO to believe”.
The world is a mess. (Sidenote, the world has a-l-w-a-y-s been a mess. We did not invent the mess) In the midst of the mess, be a truth-teller. However, being a truth-teller does not mean that you need to be brutal or harsh, or callus. The truth should not be ugly, the truth should be valued. The truth should be revered. If you are the teller of truth you must be delicate and precise. If you are the receiver of truth you should be grateful and humbled.
Truth is a powerful sword. How you wield that sword is a daunting responsibility. Authentic truth should only be shared with authentic love. Without great love, truth can be brutal and ultimately disregarded.
When others speak of you, how do they identify your willingness to be truthful in a meaningful way? This is a character trait that far transcends almost all other traits. Being truthful can be lonely and painful and challenging and difficult. Be committed to the truth, your reputation and character are built upon it. #CarrieOn
“Honesty [truth] is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson