I pass by this house when I walk in the neighborhood, Frankly I find it lacks eye appeal and always wonder what were they thinking? Someone told me this plain stone - rather ugly wall hides a secret. A secret English garden which no one but the owners and those invited in can see. A well kept secret --a beautiful garden kept behind a huge stone wall which hides the beauty from all who pass by. One has to wonder why the need for secrecy? Why hide all the beauty behind the drab shroud of a colorless wall?
If others know the deep dark truth we hide from public view--we fear they will no longer respect us---avoid our company---retreat from the relationship. Shame clouds our vision and reason flees the premises. We think there could be nothing worse than the exposure of who we are--what we have done---our short comings or what we have endured.
Here is the truth---we are at greater risk for loss of integrity--relationship--love of others by keeping our secrets than admitting them and acknowledging our human failings or those who have wounded us. There is not one among us who has not made mistakes--not wished for a do-over--for none of us are perfect. Others will be more likely quick to forgive and forget if we confess--tell the truth than if they find out we are living behind a thin veil of secrecy. As the emperor had no clothes and all could see his nudity---so our veil will become transparent when placed in the light of the truth.
So release the burden of your secrets--live the truth---and be the better person for it. We punish ourselves far more when we cling to avoiding truth by pulling the sheet of shame over our head. Those who hear our confession would never inflict the guilt and shame we place upon ourselves. We do not realize this sheet we hide behind is transparent when the light shines on it, and our secrets are never really secret from Him who knows and sees all.
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25