Honwhaaaat?

So I've been thinking. [Every time I say/write/type/think that, This pops in my head. Disney kid? Why yes, I am]

Anyhow, I've been wondering what exactly honesty is.

If we go solely by a dictionary definition, then

2). a : fairness and straightforwardness of conduct
b : adherence to the facts : sincerity.

is what we get.

 I think the general connotation the word "honesty" gives most people is the "b" definition. Which isn't wrong, I mean yes, a part of being honest is answering truthfully. But I'm beginning to wonder if there is more to honesty than strictly sticking to the facts.

There is of course, the matter of one's actions. If you do not act out the words you speak, then I think there is a certain level of dishonesty there. And it's not fair to the people that love and trust you, and I am a fan of fair.


I am beginning to think there might be another level after that even. If we are being honest, then that means we are compelled to speak the truth. Does that mean volunteer information?


I'd be the first to admit I'm a fairly private person - it takes a while to peel my ivory layers back. And it's not that I'm being fake until you get to that point, those top layers are genuine, but not...deep. I think deep is the word I'm looking for.


So to be truly honest, does that mean that some of those layers have to disappear? [I say some because obviously not everyone should know your 'stuff'. Some people just aren't trustworthy - which saddens me].


Could it be that this is the difference between being honest and being open? That honesty is being truthful in words, thoughts, and actions - and openness is being willing to give those things to other people? Or is that giving and receiving a part of engaging in real honesty?

I thought I had a pretty good idea when I named this blog, and I was searching for other honest folks.  Now I feel like I don't actually understand enough to call it that =P
But I guess I really am seeking honesty.

I am seeking things that ring true not only in my ears, but in my heart. I am looking for Christ in the eyes of other people, I am looking for His influence in their lives.

I am looking for strangers to be honest when I ask how their day is going, I am looking for more than an automatic response.

What I want to see is wild and untamed. I guess what I really want to see is beauty.

So what is honesty?

I guess I don't really have a rock solid definition for it. But I do know truth.

Maybe that's what I'm looking for after all.

"It is discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deciet."
-Noel Coward