As a writer, I do my best to create true-to-life novel characters. In order to connect with readers, it’s essential they can relate. No one’s perfect. Neither should novel characters be perfect.

As I reflected on this, I recalled a story of two women, one a Christian, the other a non-believer. So eager to portray the Christian life in a positive light, the Christian woman did her best to present herself as always happy and in total control. Yet, she never quite seemed to gain the woman’s attention, let alone her respect or friendship.

Then one day, a traumatic event happened in the life of the Christian woman, driving her almost to the breaking point. Through tears of frustration and release, she expressed her anguish and insecurities to the non-believer.

To the Christian woman’s astonishment, the non-Christian acquaintance told her, “Now we can be friends.” Why? Because she could finally relate to her.  In attempt at being perfect, the Christian had made herself unapproachable.

NOT PERFECT ~ JUST FORGIVEN

Do we ever try to portray ourselves as perfect? If we’re honest, I’m sure we’d all like others to think we have it all together. But, like my flawed novel characters, I have to wonder, would we have more of an impact on our non-Christian friends, neighbors, and co-workers if we let our hair down now and then, and let them know we’re no more “perfect” or “righteous” than them? Just forgiven?

Isaiah 64:6 tells us. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Our righteousness comes through Christ and His sacrifice for our sins. We’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) The Lord alone is perfect.

BEING HONEST

When we act as though we have no problems, or can handle anything that comes our way, in reality, aren’t we downplaying Christ’s role in our lives? Instead, when troubles come, we need to be honest about our struggles and humbly give God the glory for bringing us through.

We’re all bound to fail from time to time, but as 2 Corinthians 12:10 states, it’s in our weakness, we are strong. For it’s then, Christ’s love and power shine through most clearly.

INSPIRING READS

Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era

Inspirational Historical Romance

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.