Honesty Is the Surface, Truth Is the Depth

Have you ever felt like you were being honest but knew, deep down, that you weren’t telling the whole truth? Maybe it was in a conversation with a loved one or a quiet moment in prayer with God. Honesty and truth are often used interchangeably, but they surely don’t always walk the same path. They may be used interchangably, but they aren’t interchangeable. They’re not twin identical twin sisters, they’re cousins once removed.

When we are honest, we share what we know or believe in that moment. It’s a reflection of where we are emotionally, mentally, and/ or spiritually. But honesty, in its fullness, doesn’t always mean we’re telling the complete truth. It’s possible to say something honestly and still miss the deeper truth. It’s like looking at the surface of the ocean—what we see is real, but the full truth lies beneath the waves, waiting to be discovered.

For example, who hasn’t said “I’m fine,” when you’re not really okay? In that moment, you may believe you’re fine, but the truth—what your heart and soul may be whispering—could be far more layered. Sometimes, we’re not ready to admit the truth to ourselves, let alone somebody else.

Why We Hesitate to Be Truthful

Fear and vulnerability often keep us from diving into truth. The truth can feel raw and exposed. It oftentimes challenge us to confront our perceived weaknesses or longings. But here’s the grace of it: God already knows the truth, and in His Perfect Love, He invites us to explore it gently and with faith. He gives us the strength to let go of the honest version we cling to and embrace the deeper, sometimes uncomfortable truth that will inevitably set us free.

Think about how many times in scripture the Lord called people to face the truth, not just their honesty. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, she was honest about her life, but He lovingly called her into the truth. And in that truth, she found liberation. And isn’t that what many of us are searching for?!

That’s why homeboy playing a lawyer in that movie screamed, “The truth shall set you free!” In truth, there is freedom and liberation.

Moving From Honesty to Truth

So how do we move from being honest to being truthful? It takes prayer, reflection, and grace. The next time you feel compelled to say, “I’m fine,” ask yourself, “What is the deeper truth here?” Invite Truth into that moment, and let it–God, really!– guide you. It’s not about perfection, but about walking in a spirit of integrity with yourself first so you have the capacity to do so with others. After all, you can’t give what you don’t have

When we align our honesty with truth, we step into a place of authenticity and divine connection. In that space, God’s love covers us, and we begin to live in freedom. The truth may feel heavy at first, but it is always lighter than carrying the weight of what we try to hide or ignore.

Truth Requires Faith

Truth also requires faith. Faith to trust that God’s Truth is better than our temporary comfort. Faith to know that even when we feel exposed, God is our covering, our protection. Faith believes that in the Truth, there is healing, restoration, strength and hope.

As you walk your path today, may you begin or continue to embrace the truth with courage, tenderness, and grace. Know that in every honest moment, there is an invitation to go deeper, to be more aligned with the truth that God has written for your life. And as you journey, remember: God’s truth is your shield and your strength.

My Truth Transformation

It’s only by God’s Love that I transformed my life. I lost weight and began loving myself (read: stopped hating myself!) when I began speaking about myself like how God speaks about me. I replaced my inner critic’s messages on constant, loud replay with the Truth.

Who am I really?! I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. I’m the head and not the tail. I’m smart. I am powerful. I am empowered. I have the courage and power do what I want, not what others want me to do. I’m beautiful. I am light. I am oh so victorious. I’m sweet. I’m gentle. I’m loving. I’m kind.

When I was honest, and not truthful, I binge ate my feelings. I hid in the shadows, not wanting to be exposed. I was deceived into believing– my people who loved me and I loved, no less, that I “had a beautiful face”, as if bigger bodies aren’t beautiful, too. Eff them! Just because they hate themselves doesn’t mean I need to hate myself too! It was God’s Truth and Love that freed me. That continues to liberate me, even 5+ years after this weight loss transformation.

What many people see as only weight loss, is really about living a life more aligned to Love. It’s about becoming my true self. Only Truth can do that. Nothing else will.

Once I did my first impossible with God, by fully embracing my faith, I lost 100 lbs. And then I realized that nothing is impossible! The only impossible is how I limit myself. With my first impossible goal achieved (long term weight loss and doing it in a fun, enjoyable way that aligns with my authentic, True inner self), I began smashing my goals all over the place! I also believed I wasn’t smart enough to become a registered nurse and it turns out I was wrong about that, too.

Who will you become when you dare to let Truth in??

Courage to Embrace Truth

God, thank You that the Truth– Your Truth!– transforms. Thank You that in Truth, in Love, we find the freedom we seek. Give us the courage to be more truthful. The courage to seek. The courage to go deeper. Help us heal ourselves by the transformational power of Truth by faith. Thank You that though it may feel painful at times, help us accept accountability and responsibility for our words and actions by sharing 100% of the truth, not only small parts of it. Give us the courage to see ourselves as we are. And thank You that You give us the courage to become all of who You created us to be.