July 1, 2020 I call them “truth bombs.” Truth bombs get dropped on us when someone – often a trusted friend, mentor, counselor, confessor or family member – points out a truth we might not want to hear. Truth bombs generally reveal to us some personality defect, sin, poor decision or moment when we weren’t the best version of ourselves. I haven’t always reacted well when truth bombs have been dropped on me. I get defensive. I get angry. They’re bombs because they can explode our self-image, and they can hurt. It can be hard to face the worst parts of ourselves. Generally, though, after prayer and reflection, I see that I needed the truth bombs to level me. I realize there are parts of myself I don’t want to acknowledge, encounter or try to fix. Several months ago, I was approached by a couple of acquaintances who were concerned with the way one of my friends was behaving. They asked me to talk to my friend. I sat down with my friend a short time later. “You’re sort of acting like a jerk about (a particular topic), and it’s really not a good look for you,” I told my friend. I braced myself for the defensiveness and anger I likely would’ve displayed in that moment, but that wasn’t how my friend responded. “Thank you for letting me know,” he said. “You’re right.” I was stunned by his response. It showed a maturity and ability to self-reflect that I don’t yet possess, and it set an example for me to follow. I’ve thought about that incident a lot over the last several weeks, as I’ve had numerous truth bombs dropped on me by various people. When the bombs explode, and I feel myself getting defensive, I try to remember, “thank you for letting me know.” I still don’t like truth bombs, but I’ve been trying to react better to them. When one is dropped on me, I may make a face that shows my irritation, but I try to keep quiet and process what I’ve been told before reacting, and I generally realize the person is right. While truth bombs can hurt, they are also a gift and a blessing. I know with certainty that God has put people in my life to help me be the best version of myself, the version He’s calling me to be. To do that, I need to see clearly where I need to improve, and sometimes others, through the grace of God, see that better than I do. I’m blessed that they’re trying to help me be better. Bombs away! |
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