EXPOSED

My trip to Dachau Concentration Camp this summer and all of the historical fiction I have read over the past has left a stark reminder of man's inhumanity to his fellow man.


Why would the Nazi's strip everything off their prisoners before leading them to the gas chambers?  It is the final step of ripping away the dignity of another---the ultimate blow of degradation---the exposure of our bodies to the eyes of others with no regard for the sense of shame and embarrassment. 

When I make my every third year nod to the medical establishment, my question at each test or appointment is what do I need to take off?  I am not a big fan of being exposed on these visits and will take every opportunity to take off as little as possible.  Can't they just take some blood and leave it at that?  This old story about "If you've seen one"--just doesn't fly when it comes to personal exposure.  We all seem to think we are unique--and yes, you may have seen theirs--but MINE is a different story.  The only time in my life I was able to leave modesty behind was in the midst of childbirth and my famous words that day were "Modesty flew out the door!"  

I have often found it intriguing how a rank stranger will tell me their deep dark secrets with only the prompting of one innocent question, such as, "How are you?"  It never ceases to amaze me when someone who will never see me again bares their soul to me.  Is it because I am a good listener--or something much deeper---the need for confession-a trial run for reaction---the simple need to process?  In my naivety, I once thought it was my wise counsel.  NO--they just have a need to verbalize the story---bounce it off another---tell the tale--expose the truth.

As I writer, I have exposed more of "me" than I would EVER dare in person.  Something about the anonymity behind the keyboard allows for freedom of exposure.  If I cannot see your face when I reveal my secrets, I am not aware of your reaction.  THERE YOU HAVE IT--THE KEY--we are hesitant to see the reaction of others when we expose ourselves-be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  We want to hide behind our cloaks, for fear of rejection. 

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS, MY FRIENDS----THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN!    And yes, we are all uniquely created, but in our uniqueness we find commonality.  If you are interested enough to search, you will find another or perhaps many more with similar stories.  If you believe as I do that God has a plan for us, then He intends us to use our story for His good purpose.  There is someone out there who needs to hear your story--understand your survival--be comforted by your exposure. Not to say you should bore every Tom, Dick & Harry with the details of your life, discretion is the better part of valor.  The question is are you confident in His ability to take your story and use it for His good purpose when prompted---or are you hiding the truth in fear of exposure?  There is a time to cast aside our timidity and be the beacon of light of truth---all for His good purpose!

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16







6 comments

  1. I see what you mean about having to take your clothes off. I hate it in hospital when they tell you to wear those gowns open at the back. Quite draughty I tell you. I get round the problem by wearing the gown back to front!

    I remember once I visited a hospital and the nurse told me to get behind the screen and take all my clothes off. I did so, even though I was only delivering the mail.

    As for people telling you their life story. Always happens to me. On the train, the bus, everywhere. People sit by me and tell me their story even though I am not interested in them. The other day even the bus driver told me his story. He said "When I die, I want to do so peacefully in my bed. Not like my uncle. With people shouting and screaming all around him as he drove his bus over the hill!"

    God bless you, Lulu. This was a good post. Despite my comments. Will you forgive me?

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    1. VICTOR, I am always thankful for the laugh you give me to start my day!
      Blessings, My Friend!

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  2. Hi Lulu! I have wondered to myself if I could even tolerate seeing a concentration camp. So much evil, it must have been so powerful.
    I think you have hit it right on the head here. The most impactful writing comes from experience, from sharing ourselves with perfect strangers, and hoping they find a common thread in their lives. It can be such a community building, blessed way to extend our hands to each other.
    It's sure not for the weak, I'll tell you that.
    I know what you mean about medical appointments. I have put one in particular off for three years myself (guess which one!). I'd better make a phone call...
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Laughing, Ceil, I might have been guilty of fudging how long ago my last one was to my new doctor ! HEY, do you blame me!!!
      Blessings !

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  3. Giggling....I can not say anything that hasn't been repeated already, lol.---strangers have a habit of just opening up to me as well...hubby even commented perhaps I ought to be a therapist or bartender when I grow up, lol.

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    1. We have this face that says, "Tell me all!"!
      LOL!
      Blessings

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!