Live Authentically

Matthew 23.

NASHVILLE, TN - It's funny how life leads me to interpret things that I read differently at different times. I can read something once and glean from it something entirely different than I did a year ago reading the exact same thing. Today I read Matthew 23 and the only thing I could think about was the importance of living authentically and the adventure of striving to do so.

I aspire to work on the inside me, so the outside me can become a reflection of what's inside. It's kind of like taking a telescope and pointing it at the inside you, making visible the beauty that often stays hidden underneath all the muck and yuck. It's acknowledging the vast existence that already lies somewhere beneath. It is there, it's been there all along, sometimes you just need help seeing it. Sometimes you need a telescope.

I began blogging about three years ago. I didn't really know what I wanted to write about then, I just wanted to write, and I wanted to be real and true in my writing. There is power in that. In all actuality I've never strayed from the core message which has somewhat inadvertently taken shape over the years.

Live life authentically. Live radically, authentically, and unapologetically as your truest self.

But what does that really mean? Who is your truest self?

Your truest self is at the core of your existence, the deepest parts of your heart, the person you are below the surface. Your true self lies beneath all of the layers and blockades you've placed over your heart as years roll by and experiences unfold. Your truest self hides behind the exterior persona you've built and adapted to over the years.

Life threw me a curve ball about five years ago and I caught a glimpse, a shimmer of the person I really am, but it was hiding somewhere beneath the wreckage. It was like a fresh of breath air. It felt different. It felt right. It felt authentic. It was like a bright light that had been immensely dimmed by the lies I learned and absorbed over the years - lies about myself, lies about others, lies about my God. But the light had not gone out. In fact, it was very present, just begging me to ignite it, to set it on fire, to allow it to radiate.

So I began moving toward the light (the light within) attempting to find a means to allow the light to shine brighter. I began seeking my authentic self, but I first had to ask the scary question, WHO AM I? My honest answer was, I don't know... I was lost. So very lost, and I'm still not entirely found - I'm not sure I ever will be entirely found here on this earth. But there is one thing I am certain of now. I know who I am.

I know I am a beloved daughter of the Father. I am a child of God. I also know that who I am, who I have been created to be - by that loving Father - THAT is my most authentic self. Who were you created to be?
Who are you and who were you created to be? I think it's important to start asking yourself those questions.

The tiny glimpse of something greater was enough to make me realize there is more to this life than what I had been living. There is something greater to be desired and sought after, something beautiful and resilient.

So I began searching, and I will continue the constant pursuit for the rest of my life. This is my journey of life. This is my adventure. This is my constant pursuit of living a life radically, authentically, and unapologetically as my truest self.

Authenticity. It's beautiful. Live it.
(and be with OK with it)

Laughs and Love,
Jackie:-)