the necessity of authenticity

A frequent comment that people say to me when I speak at events is, “Thank you for being vulnerable. Thank you for being real.” And lately that comment has caused me to self-reflect.

I didn’t grow up as a secure, outgoing girl who felt free to share her struggles. I grew up under the burdensome lie of insecurity and people-pleasing which leads a soul into hiding. I grew up falsely believing that human accolades would be my greatest fulfillment which meant that I didn’t stir the waters with my own messy confessions. Never imagining that I could or would speak vulnerably in front of hundreds, or dare even thousands, of people, especially without throwing up ahead of time. But God does wild stuff.

 

 

Remember that book, The Velveteen Rabbit? Well, if not, the stuffed rabbit becomes “real” because of the little boy’s love. Love makes the rabbit real. I think that’s kinda what has happened, and continues to happen, to me. Sorta.

God’s love has made me real. Or at the very least, God’s perfect love has shown me that there’s no room for people-pleasing or self-elevation because in the presence of a holy God we’re all a beautiful mess. And yes, I’m still learning how to flesh that truth out in my daily life because…well…I’m selfish.

This week, a friend from church recommended I read a little book called The Calvary Road by Roy Hession. And oh. my. goodness. It has left me undone numerous times and I’m only four chapters in.

Hession’s whole point is that if we want revival to take place in the grand scheme, it must begin in you and me — individuals overflowing with the life of Christ. And the only way to overflow with the life of Jesus is to die to self.

 

 

Maybe that’s why vulnerability is so key. Sin makes us hide and defend and blame. Remember Adam and Eve and their ever-stylish fig leaves? But vulnerability and authenticity, especially about our mess, shines light into the dark places of our souls.

I’m not saying we go on a rampage of public self-abasement. But there is a place for confessing our sin and selfishness and straight-up confusion to one another. There’s a place for saying, “I’m in a pit and I need prayer and perspective and cleansing.” Because we’re all needy. We’re all jacked up and self-consumed and soul-protective. But it’s the lie that tells us to keep everything hidden that will hinder the flow of Jesus in and through us. And He’s just too precious to hinder.

Fill me, Lord…

First of all, have you read The Calvary Road?! (Geez, it’s amazing. Oh and it’s free on Kindle! Click here.)

And second, how have you seen vulnerability authenticity prove vital in your own journey with God?