Authenticity

Unique and Nothing New

Over the past 2 years, I’ve had the opportunity to share my story in multiple different ways (blog, email, interpersonal, small group, large group). Consistently, I get this one type of comment from people.

Thank you. I’ve been struggling in that same area. I needed to hear your story. It gives me hope.

That’s a paraphrase, but the gist of what they all say. Maybe you haven’t said it, but you’ve thought it. I wouldn’t be surprised. Because it’s not just one or two. It’s 10’s and 20’s, well over 100…maybe 100’s.

My story is unique, but it’s nothing new. It’s a story of struggle and frustration and failure and hope and peace and joy. It could be your story too.

It’s real.

The word “authentic” has been thrown around a lot the past decade. It’s why record players, film cameras and mustaches are back in. It proves your real, your authentic (I’m not going to lie, we have 2 of the 3 happening in our home).

The reality and authenticity you want and I want is truth. We get lots of

You can do it!

but not enough of

It’s really hard!

mixed in. People want to know it’s hard. People want to know there isn’t an easy button.

Your story is real. Share it. Your story helps people around you know life isn’t easy, but there is hope and joy and peace in the midst of the struggle.

Peace and hope and joy.

Hopefully you caught the last phrase of the last line…

…hope and joy and peace in the midst of the struggle.

Hope, peace and joy in the midst of pain and struggle gives others courage. If you can struggle, but still have life…real life, then I can do it too. That’s a reality people want. In fact, it’s a reality people die for.

My challenge for you today: be authentic.