sin·cere/sinˈsir/
adjective: free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.
Similar: heartfelt, wholehearted, profound, deep from the heart, genuine, real, unfeigned, unaffected, true, honest, bona-fide, earnest, cordial, fervent, ardent, devout, full-hearted, truthful, un-hypocritical, meaning what one says, straightforward, direct, frank, candid, artless, guileless, ingenuous, straight-up-front, on the level, on the up and up.
This is my tenth year of choosing a ‘word for the year’. It has been incredibly beneficial in focusing me and I recommend it very much. This year is no exception, although I was kind of surprised when the Lord gave me the word ‘sincere.’
Then, then! I looked at the meaning and synonyms and it was like He had handed me the moon! ‘Really, Lord?! You are going to take me deeper into this word and these things? Wow!’
I think He might be coming back this year, because if I can really live a ‘sincere’ life then I am ready for Heaven!
I find both the definition and synonyms beautiful AND a part of living a vulnerable life. There is not an atom of cynicism, covering up, or lack of love as far as I can see it. Two of the synonyms, wholehearted and fullhearted, mean an integrated life that express, from the deepest places, the heart of God.
And yes, this is all very vulnerable. It’s the kind of life which smacks right into the hardness, hatred and living hell of a fallen world.
If we were to look straight into the picture of a darling little girl standing before a vicious army ready to attack her village, we would scream for her to run away as far and fast as she could. Yet, she is Vulnerability lived out in Sincerity personified and she is somehow rooted to this place.
Her smile is real, her peace palpable. She is chock full of the love of God. She is standing in the face of darkness like her Savior did thousands of years ago. And she knows the Great Secret.
All is well and all will be well.
She is caressed by Perfect Love and has no fear. There is nothing in this darkness that can truly touch her. She is a physical body, so vulnerable in this way. She has a dear little voice, and is singing a song! Yet, she is a giant with the armies of Heaven behind her. She can never be destroyed! She will be light in this darkness and will not be overcome!
I am finding the courage to believe I can embody ‘sincerity’ in new ways this year. I am finding the faith to see myself as this little girl who can’t be anything else but the sweet soul she is.
And I am also learning to see deeper into the picture.
Inside of this girl is a mighty warrior, and she has a sword at the ready. She is all about tenacity and fight. She is ready to take on the True Enemy and in her purity and bright spirit she resolutely faces the darkness.
And I can see it, friends. There is sincere victory for this vulnerable one who remains in her weakness, knowing always the strength of God.
