As human beings, there are a lot of things that we do pretty well. I'm not being cocky, I'm just saying that when God made humans, He did a pretty amazing job.

Then consider sin and brokenness. Still an amazing creation, but being a sinful human being means that we come with messes. We all have them; insecurity, a painful past, struggles and addictions. Well, as humans, we are very, very good at trying our hardest to cover up our messes.

We have gotten way too good at trying to sweep our mess under the rug before we welcome anyone, including God, into the home that is our hearts. It becomes a habit, shoving the mess into a corner before we swing open the door with a smile and greet the world and the Lord with a hug, all the while hoping no one happens to lift that rug or check in the corner.

Why do we do this? Why are we so ashamed of our messes? We all have them. But here we are, tip-toeing around them, pretending that they aren't there.

That is NOT what the Lord wants. That's not how this is supposed to go.

We are designed to live in community with one another. And I don't mean just a surface level, don't look too close, somewhat fulfilling friendship. I'm talking about a completely accepting, fully loving, "here is my complete mess and I know you'll still love me," kind of thing.

Pslam 133:1 says, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" Ladies, your Sisters in Christ are there to know your mess and love you through it. And guys, the same goes for you and your Brothers in Christ.

Think of it this way - there you are, a quarterback on the football field, getting ready for the play to start. Would you rather face the other team entirely on your own, or with the help of a team, ready to defend you with everything they've got? The same goes for our everyday lives! How much better would it be to face our messes together with the love and grace of Christ in our hearts than trying to bury it alone?

And as for hiding our mess from the Lord, that is simply not realistic or at all necessary. You and all your brokenness are a beautifully imperfect child of a King who loves you with everything He's got. It's okay to be broken. He doesn't just accept your mess, He welcomes it with open arms. He takes you in knowing that the only way you could ever be whole is when you let His most perfect love into your heart.

So put down the broom and stop frantically sweeping your mess under the rug. You are not made to do this alone. Run to your brothers or sisters and celebrate your imperfections and your messes together. Triumph over your mess in unity with one another, in the Lord's name, because you can. And what a beautiful gift that is.