What an incredible month. Revealed launched and sits at #1 in Religion & Psychology New Releases on Amazon.com. It’s been a wild ride, and I am thrilled for the book to continue to be seen, read, and experienced by others.
Healing occurs when we allow ourselves to be seen. We can expend so much energy, as Zacchaeus did, climbing and seeking to attain a better view. We want to see. (See Luke 19, NRSV). We orchestrate explanations for feelings and events, piece together theories of why other people behave the way they do, and search for meaning amid our pain and suffering. We want answers to our questions first, and then we will allow ourselves to feel, be vulnerable, and open up to others. But often we need to be seen before we can see ourselves with greater clarity. I believe this is one reason therapy works. In good therapy, trust is built, and a client allows a therapist to witness and respond to vulnerable emotional experiences. Empathy heals shame. Clarity and peace result.
For Zacchaeus, seeing is not enough. He hurries down from the tree with urgency, still seeking and responding to an encounter that will allow him to experience the unfinished business his needs present. Through an encounter with Jesus he does not just see, but allows himself to be seen, in his home, one on one. As a result he is moved to acts of generosity, restitution, and justice. The waves of the encounter flow into the lives of many others.
Consider today where and with whom you can let yourself be seen. Veer toward those you trust, who prove themselves consistent and dependable. Be seen, and then you will see more clearly.
Order Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself here: https://tinyurl.com/y7y3lqmh