Your comments made me cry.

I always feel so very humbled by your love and support when I share my heart, my reality.

On the deployment front, this is the time when it starts to get hard. We keep reminding ourselves that the anticipation of it–the goodbyes, the emptiness, but probably not the little boys’ heartache–is almost always worse than the actuality, because our Father gives grace for the moment.

In the vein of reality, here are a few others sharing their own authenticity:

• Elizabeth posting at YLCF about the reality of singleness. So raw, and yet so beautiful.

• Katie talking about the reality of motherhood–and how little we really know. I think that’s a good thing.

• My mother, Mishel, on the reality of divorce. Ugly, painful, heart-rending divorce.

• Sarah, talking about the reality of criticism. Although I can’t believe this turned into a controversy about makeup.
  

• Alece (bravely) guest posting at InProgress about the reality of praying for her husband’s repentance. Even as a daughter, I’m not quite there yet.
  

All of these beautiful, strong women have challenged me today to pursue transparency and authenticity. Even when it’s difficult.

Because the Father gives grace in the moment.