I’m reading a book by Brené Brown that has me thinking about how to live a “wholehearted life”. She says: “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” *
There is much pressure in our society to do, be and have what others seem to do, be or have.
The message is clear that if you don’t own your home, have a respectable job, a perfect relationship, or a big bank balance, that you aren’t quite good enough. People don’t have to tell you that, you feel it inside.
Worse than that, is the pressure to look a certain way.
If your hair is grey you need to dye it. If you’re the “wrong” shape, you focus on how you should eat differently or exercise more and feel guilty if you don’t. No wonder there is so much on social media about needing that extra cup of coffee or glass of wine!
Some of the lies that plague me are that I should have earned a master’s degree, I’m too old to reach some of my goals and that I might not have enough money to enjoy old age. (When does old age start, anyway?)
I often don’t live up to my own expectations. That’s when I need a friend to counter the lies I am telling myself, with the truth of God’s word.
Ephesians 2: 10 says: For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Read that verse again – slowly!
We are created by God for His purposes. This sets us free from self-doubt, blame, and expectations. We have important Kingdom things to do!
What lies from the enemy of our souls are you believing? Take time to sit in God’s presence and listen. Ask Him to tell you the truth about who you are in His eyes. You can ask Him how He sees you and what name He calls you. You might be surprised at what He tells you.
Authenticity is a daily practice.
No one gets it right all the time so encouraging each other to hear God’s heart is part of our work.
Right now, I encourage you to get my book, Flourish in a World Full of People, and do (or redo) a few of the exercises. If you are like me, you read the book and planned to do the work later.
Pick one chapter to read and start practicing today. Gratitude, forgiveness, saying “No”, getting a new perspective…
Click here if you don’t already have a copy and order Brené’s book at the same time!
https://linktr.ee/spencelayhmarnie
*The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
MARNIE SPENCELAYH 