I recently rediscovered a catchy song with a heartfelt message. Phillip Phillips sings “Unpack Your Heart,” one of the more popular songs on his “Behind the Light” album that was released in May 2014. Not only does this song have the possibility of becoming your jam for long car rides or study breaks because of Phillips’ upbeat vibe and sweet vocals, it invokes the listener to experience the grace that comes with transparency.

Transparency with shame, sorrow, beauty, glory and so much more. If you’ve never heard this song before,check it out before reading on.

Now that I’m in college, I’m making new memories, experiencing new things and, most importantly, meeting new people. One of the joys that comes with making friends is getting to decide how you want them to see you. These people weren’t there in the 6^th grade when you had braces and went the second half of the day with a piece of lettuce wedged between your teeth. They weren’t there when you – allegedly – farted in gym class while trying to do a pull up (middle school wasn’t a good time). They weren’t there when you had a breakdown after band practice because you didn’t feel good enough. Now here you are with a fresh start and a big decision as to how you want your new friends to see you. Should you be sensitive? Or the funny one of the group? Should you be the mysterious friend that keeps to themselves, but when you do talk you have mind-blowing things to say? While it’s alright to reinvent yourself and long for a clean slate with friends who can’t judge your past, this lack of transparency of who you really are is quite a burden.

Transparency is the key to grace, and grace leads to lasting relationships. Phillips sings,

“Bring all that you’re scared to defend

And lay it down when you walk through my door

Throw all of it out on the floor

Your sorrow, your beauty, your war

I want it all, I want it all”

He goes on to seek the secrets and scars that threaten to drown us, the glory that sets us free and everything that we are. He ensures that no matter the stumbles, falls and crawls that have brought you to this place, he seeks the treasure that “hides behind your walls.”

So after listening to this song and considering its message, I have a question for you: If you had to unpack your heart right now, could you do it? Could you lay down your guard, the walls that you’ve built up over years of frustrations, disappointments, heartbreaks and broken promises? Could you show people, these new friends you’ve made, your true heart with all of its madness and imagination? Will you unpack your heart to create transparency in friendships and receive the grace and acceptance that comes with openness and humility?

Transparency is the key to grace, and grace leads to lasting relationships.