Hi(ves), nice to meet you.

I distinctly remember that several years ago I Google’ed “red rash on neck,” hoping there was some legitimate medical abnormality that could explain the blotchy red art that is frequently painted across my neck
and chest.  I thought for sure I could find a WebMd diagnosis, get some treatment, and be on my fair-skinned way.

Not so.  It’s hives.  That’s all.  My porcelain (AKA white) skin is simply prone to breaking out when I am in unfamiliar, uncertain, or uncomfortable situations.  If you’ve known me for any length of time, you are sure to have encountered my scarlet neckline in any number of scenarios.  If you pointed it out—it probably got worse.  You have probably even been invited to “walk and talk” if we had something particularly emotional or heavy to discuss, mostly because it eases my nerves and lets me focus less on the fact that my face is likely turning in to a rose garden.

I wish I could say I have come to be less embarrassed about my blushing, but that’s probably not true.  What I do love, though, is that my hives are always a sure sign that things are getting real.  Being vulnerable, having difficult conversations, surprises, confessing, being honest, talking about things that should have been talked about weeks/months/years ago, facing fears—these are the things that make life dynamic and worthwhile.  These are the living parts of life. 

I have had so many opportunities lately for things to just “get real,” and it’s great.  The Lord keeps me humbled with hives in those moments, but life is so full in the real moments.  Totally worth it.