to not be clothed, to be uncovered

BARE

Imagine laying down completely open, nothing hidden, completely seen, completely known and yet completely loved. I tried to envision a time where I’ve been completely bare before anyone (even with those I love most) and actually been truly seen. I believe, we do in part experience a level of being seen with those we love and those that love us yet this intimate longing and encounter is reserved for the One. Every single day, you completely before the One Who knows your every thought, every worry, every fear, every battle, every struggle, every everything and beckons you anyway to come… sit…. lay… bare before Him.

There was a time when laying still before the One was unbearable. My body would shake uncontrollably before Him. I was unable to tolerate even a few seconds, as fear would grip me. I just wanted the shaking to stop. The trembles to go away…. so if I kept moving…. stay busy, maybe I could just numb it, make it all go away. Eventually stillness does come against your will. You do have to lay down to sleep. Your distractions become gone in an instant: your kids grow up, your body gives out, your job ends, your loved one passes away, seasons changes, the pain becomes too great…. your heart can endure no more.

The Lord called to Adam (Ashley), and said to him (her) where are you? And Adam (Ashley) replied, I heard you coming and didn’t want you to see me naked. So I hid.

Genesis 3:9-10

Shame. What a ugly and dreadful word…. the silent killer. I was afraid. I am afraid. If I am fully seen you may not like me. You may ultimately reject me. I recall in years past when I was preparing to my deliver my firstborn. Hours of labor and continued dropping of both my own heart rate and my sons, an emergency cesarean had become inevitable. It was my greatest fear – I did not want to have to be cut open. My husband knew this. I had confided in him much about this fear. As the doctor entered the room, I already knew before he spoke what was to come. As I looked over to my husband, he too knew what was to come yet he also knew what was going on inside of me. Without a word, he looked into my eyes and said nothing yet said everything. His eyes were reassuring, speaking into the depth of my heart, everything is going to be ok. I knew he was with me. I was affirmed. I was seen. I was known. We proceeded to prepare. I reluctantly signed the necessary paperwork to release my life and my unborn son’s life into the care of the doctors while my husband got dressed for surgery. I will never forget being wheeled into the cold surgical room… completely naked... vulnerable….. and afraid. Suddenly, my husband came alongside me… it was all I needed.

You have ravished my heart and given me courage with a single glance of your eyes

Song of Solomon 4:9

I was reminded of this day as I laid bare before the One, unafraid. I remembered the experience of being cold, naked and shaking. I remembered what it all felt like. I remembered the many times I’ve tried to lay bare before the One hoping to hide my fears, insecurities, worries, disappointments. Yet this is the very place the One wants to meet us, IN it. He already knows it all anyway and loves you. He is the only One Who can look into the depth of your being and reassure you… burn out the dross, expose the lies, heal, comfort, affirm, reassure.. hold you. He desires you and all His children to lay bare before Him so He may speak into the depths of your soul, heal your heart and remind you, you are His. He whispers in the stillness how treasured, loved, and complete you are in Him. In Christ alone.

I wonder when you may soon lay yourself bare before the One?

Ashley Shuell, Journalist for Jesus ✍️

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