Happy Wednesday, friend!
Grab your coffee or tea, and pull up a chair. It’s time for our mid-week encouragement, Woman to Woman! I’m guessing you only have a few minutes, so let’s get right to it.
I remember the morning, six years ago, I met my friend for breakfast. We met to encourage one another. My friend shared her heart over our eggs that morning, and her words changed my life.
I don’t recall all her words, but I remember…
REAL. TRANSPARENT. AUTHENTIC.
She was tired of living a life of superficiality.
And frankly, so was I.
She was sick of wearing a mask of falseness.
So was I.
She desired to live freely in God’s grace, to be who she was, not trying to please anyone but Him.
So did I.
You see, I was busy trying to be who I wasn’t, and trying to hide really who I was to “fit in.” That all ended that morning. It was as if I left my fake, people-pleasing, artificial self at that IHOP table, and thankfully, I’ve never looked back.
Let me tell you, friend, the freedom that brought me was nothing short of amazing.
Those words began to define my life:
REAL: genuine; not counterfeit, artificial, or imitation; authentic
TRANSPARENT: candid, open, or frank
AUTHENTIC: not false or copied; genuine; real
Living a real, transparent, authentic life is being who you are. It’s living for an audience of One, not for thirty, depending who you’re with at the time. It’s taking off the masks we try to hide behind. It’s sometimes exposing our hearts, and our hurts. It’s talking about the real issues of life, and not hiding them under a rug. It’s about being open and honest with others, and yourself. It’s letting others see the real, beautiful you.
Now, I’m not saying we air our dirty laundry for all to see. No. Those are things we take to God. But, by living transparently, we become relatable and realistic. I’m open to share my mess ups, my hang ups, and my triumphs if it’ll help someone else on their journey.
Friend, do you find yourself struggling to live an authentic life? I pray not. But if you do, you’re not alone.
You are a beautiful creation of a God who loves you. May you leave the masks, the superficial stuff, the people-pleasing tendencies at this table and walk away a real and authentic you. Experience the freedom of being the one God created you to be!
I’d be honored if you’d leave your thoughts below and encourage another on this W2W Wednesday!
Julie
Thanks Julie! That perfectly sums up what has been on my heart for a while. Real & transparent, without airing all the dirty laundry. We must be real for others to see us relying on Christ through the difficult times.
Hi Ellen! You’re reading my thoughts. If we fake that everything is perfect all the time, God doesn’t get the glory. We do. Relying on Christ is evident when we are real. Thank you for adding your thoughts. You blessed me today!
Woohoo! Taking off the mask today, Julie. Thank you!
Yes, Kristine! Me too! Feels good, doesn’t it? Thank you for visiting yesterday. Hugs!
Well this is absolutely perfect, Julie! Yes, I’ve been at the table of mask-wearing more than once. Hate to say, but we are being honest. I’m honestly glad to hear your story. Thank you for sharing and look forward to more woman to woman posts from you. 😀
Hey, Meredith! Thanks for stopping in yesterday! Thank you also for inspiring me to participate in W2W! Even though our subjects may be different on Wednesdays, I feel like our posts are still “connected.” I pray you have been feeling God’s peace and comfort throughout these days. Keep writing through your emotions and sharing your “real” life. You are His masterpiece! Hugs! 🙂