March 29 — The Courage to See What’s There
The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it. Flannery O’Connor
Gregg’s Reflection
Seeing clearly isn’t always comfortable. There have been seasons when God opened my eyes to truths I didn’t want to acknowledge—about myself, about others, about the state of the world. At first, my instinct was to look away, to retreat to safer ground. But I’ve learned that growth often begins with the willingness to face what is before we can move toward what can be.
In my business years, I sometimes ignored warning signs—whether in relationships, finances, or the health of the organization—because confronting them felt overwhelming. The same can be true in our spiritual life. It takes courage to see where we’re clinging to illusions or avoiding uncomfortable realities. Yet, in every case where I’ve chosen to see and stay present, I’ve found that God meets me there with both truth and grace.
We can trust that God’s light doesn’t just expose; it heals. When we open our eyes fully, even to the hard things, we discover that the One who reveals is also the One who restores.
Scripture
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
Ephesians 5:13
Ancient Quotes
The beginning of knowledge is to know oneself. For it is impossible to see what is good without first seeing what is within. He who knows himself knows all things in God.
St. Clement of Alexandria, Stromata, Book V, ch. 14
The light of God does not blind the pure, but reveals what is hidden in the heart. Those who love the truth come to the light, that their deeds may be made manifest.
St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of John, Homily 25.2
Modern Quotes
The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.
Flannery O’Connor, The Habit of Being
The less we listen to the noise of the world, and the noise of our own minds, the more we’re able to tune in to what’s actually happening.
Rick Rubin, The Creative Act, p. 40
The ability to face reality is one of the essential aspects of the creative process. The artist does not flinch.
Robert Fritz, Creating, 1991, p. 41
Journaling Prompts
- What truth are you avoiding right now because it feels too uncomfortable?
- How might God be inviting you to face it with courage rather than fear?
- When have you found freedom in seeing reality clearly, even if it was hard at first?
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 13 Reflection: Eyes to See