It feels like authenticity is the new buzz word these days. I’ve written about it multiple times this month on the blog. So I’m guilty of continuing the buzz.
I’ve worked to be authentic in my life. I have a tendency with those closest to me to put a little too much out there. The acronym, TMI (Too Much Information) could have been coined for me during some of these conversations. But I can feel my heart and soul craving an intimate connection with others which only happens for me when I’m truly living in the present moment and dropping the mask of perfect. I’m calling this being authentically humble. When the good, the bad, and the truly ugly of my life are shared with those around me, it eases the burden of life and allows someone else to come alongside me to lift me up. My hope and prayer is that you have people in your life who do the same thing.
This week I was able to connect in person with two of my closest friends while I was on a business trip. They live close to the city I visited and we made the effort to see each other after my conference was over. These women are amazing in the businesses they have built, while staying true to God’s calling in their lives. I am in awe of all they have accomplished. On the outside, the three of us seem to have it all together. However, we were able to be real and opened up about our current struggles – some challenges were health related, marriage, kids or knowing how to live full-out for God. They walked away with prayer requests from me and I am able to lift them up in prayer in this season of their lives.
I felt blessed beyond measure for this time with them. It was as if the brief time we broke bread together, we were wrapped in a cocoon of trust and love. This made me wonder if I have allowed this cocoon of trust and love with God. He is always available to me, but have I been truly authentically humble with God? Do I open up the good, the bad and the ugly to Him or do I show only the good in hopes that He doesn’t see the bad and the ugly?
During my conversation with one of my friends this week, I told her my life right now felt a little like the book of Job. The part where he’s struggling, not the part where Job is being redeemed for his faithfulness. Job is questioning God and asking when He will show up in his life to take away the hurt.
What does the book of Job have to do with being authentic? In Job 11:13-15 (CEV) it says, “Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer, and give up your sins—even those you do in secret. Then you won’t be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless.”
In my life, the times I’ve shrunk back from being authentic are because I’m fearful. I’m scared of what someone will think of me or what I say in disagreement with the group will be received. The beauty of this verse is we do not have to scared. We can be confident and fearless!
It’s as simple as surrendering my heart to God, being fully authentic and honest with Him in prayer about my sins, my faults and my failures. I say it’s a simple task, but being truly authentically humble before God is tough. Allowing someone to see the dark underbelly of our thoughts and actions is a scary prospect. Guess what? There are no surprises to God. What we’ve done or haven’t done, isn’t shocking to God. On the other side of authenticity with God is where true healing begins. The journey begins with surrendering to Him.
Are you authentically humble with God? Why or why not? Share it in the comments below so we can encourage your journey to being authentically humble in all your relationships.