Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Behind Those Eyes


Another internet Bible Study has caught my attention, hosted by Lelia.
It interested me because authenticity is something I strive for, something that I admire, and something that I believe honors God in our relationships.
This book is about seeing what is behind the eyes of women, the untold stories of insecurities or heartaches.
I want to be deeply spiritual in my relationships, caring, supportive, and capable.
So, by doing this study, I hope to get real with my relationships.
In reading the first chapter, the author Lisa Whittle, talks about being a pretender. She says, "Many of us do not go into life wanting to be pretenders, but we have at some point embraced the idea when it suited our desires.
...these cover-ups meet a need at the time to get us more of what we want when we do not believe the truth will."
hmmm.
I can see where I have done that.
I was challenged by this chapter to take authenticity to the next level.
The question to be answered:
Define the word authenticity and what it means to me.

Authentic.
Genuine. Real. Without falsehood or misrepresentation.
To me, it means trustworthy. The act of saying what I mean and meaning what I say and knowing that the person who I am conversing with is doing the same.
It is something that I yearn for.
It is knowing that love (and relationship) will remain in spite of how I really am feeling, doing, or behaving at the time.

What you're after is truth from the inside out.
Psalm 51:6
AMEN!

Sometimes the truth does hurt, but I love knowing that God is able - and He WANTS to - take even the most painful, awful truths and make us whole and holy!

I have been in a situation where I hid the truth because I thought I needed to protect someone. It turned out negatively because I found myself full of bitterness over the situation. Not that I should have revealed all, but I wish that I had gone to someone and asked for advice and help.
The relationships involved in that situation are now broken and I know God was not honored. It did hurt, me and the others involved.
I feel like I have a lot to learn about authenticity, but I am full of hope and desire.

9 comments:

Lisa said...

Love and appreciate your thoughts, Liz. May God be with you as you take this truth journey with Him by your side!

Lisa :)

Lelia Chealey said...

Great stuff Liz. Of course, I'm a fan of Liz's letters so anything you put out here in blogland tugs at my heart. :)
Thanks so much for being a part of this.
Hugs...tight ones,
Lelia
Oh, and Gene said we're taking you up on your offer to stay with you for a Cowboys game! Thanks for making him smile during such a tough time. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Liz,

I know that we "spoke" once before about broken friendships. I am really looking forward to my part in all of that situation and how authentic I was and now where I need to be. How about you??

This is all VERY exciting, isn't it?

hugs today!
Kim from PA

Tammy said...

Reading your post made me smile,I've been thinking the same thing since I started Lisa's book.

I'm looking forward on this journey of truth.

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Long time no see!! It was good to have your comment! there is so much to be revealed in each of us and I know in the end of this study, nothing but beauty-the beauty that God placed in us will break through!

In His Graces~Pamela

TeriAnnElizabeth said...

What beautiful thoughts! I love your writing and you just ooze real and authentic!

I can't wait to read more letters - it's refreshing to see GOD loved and honored the way you do!

Blessings and prayers,
Teri

Carol said...

Liz, love your insite, and your openess about how keeping the truth hidden affected you and the other people.

Carol

Regina said...

Love your thoughts on this subject of being real. I am looking forward to doing this study with you and all of these other ladies.

LynnSC said...

Great thoughts Liz!!

This part of your comment on being authentic really hit me between the eyes...
"something that I believe honors God in our relationships."

Awesome truth. I also believe that when we honor God... he blesses us. Not with the things of the world... but the deep things of Himself... and those are the things that I want.

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, can't wait to continue on this journey with you ladies.
Lynn