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Does Authenticity Take Preeminence Over Gracious Speech?
Authenticity has been a buzz word for several years. As with a lot of words, authenticity means different things to different people. Being real is a simple definition of authenticity. I connect with the idea that we need to be authentic with God and ourselves inviting Him to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24). Sins revealed should be confessed and forgiveness asked for followed by a dependence on Him for cleansing and empowering to walk in His ways. On a human level, authenticity should happen in the context of relationships that have built trust and respect. I personally have grappled with what authenticity looks like on the human level and specifically…
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Adjustments for Life
I recently purchased some new eye glasses. Within the first hour of wearing the glasses, I knew the hinge on one side was loose. Because of traveling, it took about 2 weeks before I could go back to my optometrist to get the glasses adjusted. When I walked in, the associate asked what he could do for me. I replied, “I can see great and I love these new glasses, but they need to be adjusted.” He quickly said, “I can see how they are slipping on your nose.” I was surprised he said that because I had gotten so used to dealing with glasses over the years that slipped…
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Perspective and a Shifted Assessment
Imagine your thoughts as you walk past two homeless men panhandling outside and in the lobby of a major concert. The men are begging for money from the patrons coming to the concert. They, homeless and probably disheveled and possibly smelly come up to people who are, most likely, nicely dressed – people who are anticipating a fun, lovely evening with their teenage children. Many thoughts flood your mind. Why are they homeless? Can’t they find work? Who are their parents, family? Are they thieves? Maybe they are lazy; maybe they have given up and really don’t care about themselves or anyone. You walk past and into the concert feeling…
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New Year’s Day 2014 – Examen and Determine
New Year’s Day inherently brings with it the proverbial “clean slate”- a chance to start over, a chance to review, refresh and begin again – 365 new days. Looking back in order to move forward is a reasonable way to begin this New Year. So, before rushing fast lane mode into the 2014 take a deep breath, set aside a few moments to review/examen and a few moments to determine. Notice both God and His hand in your life in 2013. Determine – how do you want to move forward? What soul-nourishing practices will you continue or add? What is God inviting you into in this New Year 2014? Useful…
