Naked
by Lesa Crisp
“He (Adam) answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’”
Adam’s nakedness before a holy God reminds me of a popular reality TV series. In the series, teams of two race against each other in the wilderness with nothing but their wits between them and the elements. These competitors must complete a series of tasks in their bared and vulnerable state.
As a writer, I understand Adam’s fear. To expose your creative work to others’ scrutiny for a publishing pitch, a critique group, or even to your closest friends and family feels like standing naked before them and asking, “So, what do you think?” We want their honest opinion, but what if it’s mean, or worst of all, they lose interest and don’t finish it?
A friend had begged to read an early proof of my book, but she never gave me feedback. When I asked how she liked it, she said, “I never finished it. The story was too predictable, and I lost interest.”
She said it like it was no big deal. She didn’t realize she had called my baby ugly. Her statement crippled me, but I hid my hurt.
I have another writer friend who read my book and regularly encourages me to pitch it to agents and editors. “God gave you that story, and it’s good, but it won’t help anyone if it stays in your computer.” Her encouragement is what I needed to overcome the fear of being exposed.
We weren’t designed to hide or be afraid of exposure. Father God sees through every hiding place, every drape we wrap around our shame. Genesis 2:25 (NIV) sums up God’s intention for our lives. “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
Dear Lord, thank You for freeing me from shame. Keep me mindful I have no need for fear of exposure as a new creation in Christ. Please give me courage to share your inspired words to a lost and dying world. May my words embolden fellow writers to do likewise. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Lesa Crisp, is a nurse, mother, former home-schooling mom, realtor, and most importantly, daughter of the Most High God. She lives in Maryville, Tennessee with her husband of 34 years, and their three married children live nearby. She has written one book, which is currently being pitched for publication.
Excellent post. It’s difficult to be vulnerable, but it’s also necessary. Thank you.