September 11, 2014

Hearts on Sleeves

We all like to think we aren't the only ones.
That we are not in this race alone or that someone understands.
In the attempt at being real we sometimes wear hearts on sleeves.
It's easy to do in this online world.  Too easy at times.

Keeping it real is a good thing.  
Revealing everything isn't. 

It's a fine line we walk with our words.  Pixelled or otherwise.
Keeping in mind that all that is on our minds or in our hearts
ought not to be fair game for the world of onlookers.
I have read some things that I could relate to ~ absolutely.
But, I would hesitate to write them, or even speak them out loud.

Maybe just in prayer.  Alone.  



In an effort to gain ratings and readers,
it can be all too easy to throw caution to the wind.
But, is it for the best?  Is it wise?  Is it godly?

"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:

but he that refraineth his lips is wise."  Proverbs 10:19

"He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour:
but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a
faithful spirit concealeth the matter."  Proverbs 11:12-13

"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that 

shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."  Proverbs 17:28

Wisdom is often accompanied by silence.

There are things that might be an encouragement to others,
but, they may hurt the ones nearest and dearest to my heart.
Do I "share" in order to be "real", or do I keep silent in order to be honourable?
Good food for thought.  Yes?

May the Lord give wisdom and insight to know

how much to say and when to say it.  How much I need Him!
May He give the wisdom to know when silence is best.
Ultimately, He is the One we aim to please.
At the end of it all, we only answer to Him.

Please know that these are some of the things I mull over in my brain

because I am one of many words.  I often need to stop and consider.
Posts like this are the result of the self-talk I'm prone to.
A good thing?  I really do think so.  :)

With Love, Camille

12 comments:

Katy said...

So very well said Camille. Thank you for sharing. I am often too chatty, I fear, on my blog and pray I am not one who has shared *too* much and lack wisdom.

I pray your weekend ahead is full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and most of all, Him.

*hugs*
Katy

Dianna said...

My dear friend,

Thank you so much for putting in to words some thoughts that I've had recently as I have read things on line...whether it be in the land of blog, or on facebook...or any other social media. Proverbs 10:19 that you've quoted here was a verse that a former pastor referred to often. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke it counted!

Hugs to you, Camille dear, and thank you again for being willing to speak the truth in love.

With love,
Dianna

Patty said...

So, so true. Being real does not mean telling all. I think the often touted word transparency can create more trouble than benefit in many situations. So glad you shared this.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

The world does not need to know how we feel all the time or what happens within our walls of home. On the mum side keeps our people from being hurt. Good thoughts. Happy weekend!

Sarah said...

Hi Camille,
I think of you often and thank you for always checking in on me. I'm still riding the waves of grief, but I'm feeling overall much more peaceful than I was the first few months. The hurt and ache and tears are still plentiful, but I feel God's presence filling that void more as I trust Him more and more...trusting that I don't need to know why and trusting that He is ever so close with me.
I was thinking about your words you wrote about sharing...especially in regards to an online word. There is definitely a fine line between being authentic and real and also being careful with our words. I'm sure we are all guilty from time to time...especially in times of high emotions. One of my daughters bible memory verses this week was "be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger." I think the slow to speak is a good guideline when writing. I also think about growing up how my parents always told me (in regards to speaking) "is it helpful and is it true."...the helpful thing being super key in terms of the blogging world. When I write, I try to think "is it true, is it helpful, and does it bring God glory?"
When I read your words, I only see the beauty of Christ and someone who is living for Him. I think you are doing an excellent job!

Camille said...

Dear Katy ~ I have never thought you crossed the line my friend. Thank you for your kind words and sweet friendship. Hugs to you! :)

Dear Dianna ~ Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement here. You are always a sweet blessing to my heart. Hugs. :)

Dear Patty ~ You are a lovely encouragement to my heart...you know that? Hugs to you. :)

Dear Becky ~ How wonderful it is to know that home is a safe place to be...may we always keep it that way! Happy weekend to you my friend. Hugs. :)

Dear Sarah ~ I am so glad to know that you sense the Lord's presence with you as you navigate this path of grief. How faithful He is!! May you know continually His loving care in your life. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement here...how much I need the Lord...how conscious I am of that fact! May He help us to be wise in all we do. Hugs to you! :)

With Love,
Camille

Hopes Handcrafts said...

Oh yes...I know that too well, Camille. There's a saying..."open mouth, insert foot" I guess because too often we, as humans, speak before we think and act before we consider. It's our default setting!

Praying I use wisdom in my speech and words too...

Lots of love,
Julia xo

PS I love your new family pic *heart*

Cinnamon said...

Sending {hugs} dear Camille and prayers for comfort.

~Cinnamon

Pam said...

This is such a well said post Camille. I agree whole heartedly, and so appreciated all of the scripture that you shared. I have often flinched when I have read things that other people have expressed; even well meaning Christian people. One of the things I have a difficult time with is Facebook. I do have a Facebook account, and even a page for my blog, but it is difficult for me to give too much time to Facebook, because of the drama that people are all too often willing to put on Facebook. I too have sometimes really wrestled with how much to express… but have quite often felt a check from the Holy Spirit to hold back. Thanks for sharing such a well said post. It is full of wisdom and truth. Have a great week.
Love and Blessings,
Pam

Melissa said...

I find I'm often quiet on my blog, for extended periods of time, because I'm seeking to honor God and my family in my posts. I try to model discretion for my daughter (16), and how can I do that if I'm too quick to put every thought I have out there on the internet? I see grown women write things that make me cringe.

Just this weekend my daughter made a comment about social media that made me realize she's been paying attention to what I've been trying to teach her, and that she's taken it to heart. :-) Praise God for His grace!

Despite what the world would tell us, there's a limit to what we need to know about others or see online.

Camille said...

Dear Julia ~ How quickly things go from bad to worse over our words!! I have been caught more times than I like to admit in the talking department. Thank you for your sweet words about our family photo. :)

Dear Cinnamon ~ Thank you, sweet friend. Hugs right back! :)

Dear Pam ~ What a blessing to read of your testimony of God's goodness in checking you in your spirit as you thought about what to write and what to keep silent about. How gracious He is with us!! :)

Dear Melissa ~ This..."Despite what the world would tell us, there's a limit to what we need to know about others or see online"...those are true words. Thank you for joining in on the conversation here. Hugs to you! :)

With love,
Camille

Esther said...

Excellent post my Friend and timely too! Thank you!!