“Honesty is the highest form of intimacy.”
Unknown
Authenticity is the act of being genuine and true. The opposite is being false, fictitious, or counterfeit. Authenticity is attractive because fewer people seem to be genuine. When I think of authenticity, I’m reminded of the saying, “What you see is what you get.” That is exactly what more than ever, people want today.
Being authentic may involve being vulnerable, transparent, and having integrity, all of which require humility. Vulnerability is giving the gift of your true, authentic self to one another. We have nothing to prove. There is no pretense, no hiding, no performance, or flashiness in trying to attract. Being ourselves is what attracts others to us.
One reason we’re afraid to be authentic is that we fear judgment and rejection from others. We think if they really knew who we are, then they would not accept us. Fear of man, which the Bible clearly says is a snare, prevents us from being authentic. And not wanting to hurt others by telling them the truth is another reason we shun being authentic. But are we doing them more harm by not speaking the truth in love? Proverbs 24:26 says, “Speaking honestly is a sign of true friendship.”
Like a magnet, the older I get, the more I am drawn to those who are authentic and humble. It may be because there are so few around who have no hidden agenda, who genuinely are themself and want to come under others to honor and exalt them rather than themselves.
This is a clarion call to be authentic. I encourage you to leave your masks at home. Be free to be your true self, not someone trying to be like someone else. You don’t need to impress others to receive their acceptance and belonging. Just be yourself.
“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
Brene Brown
Relevant Reflections:
1. Who in your life do you find their authenticity to be attractive?
2. What are the reasons that prevent you from being authentic?
3. How can you become more genuine?
4. Who needs you to be the gift of your true self?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay