Living as Our Authentic Selves

Living as Our Authentic Selves
By The Rev. Timothy Warren, St. Francis (ISM)

I was once told by a priest that clergy should not share too much of their personal life with the congregation. In his opinion, clergy needed to keep a professional distance from parishioners in order to perform their duties effectively. He and I were friends, but I often felt he was detached not only from those to whom he ministered but also from his own feelings. Deep down, there was an aging man who harbored loneliness and a bit of bitterness.

As a clergy person, I understand that there are certain things that are probably better kept in confidence with only a few trusted confidants and a confessor; however, I am pretty much an open book. I’ve found that when you are open to others, they become open as well. Deep down, people really want to share their lives with others. When you have no secrets to hide, people feel that you are trustworthy, and they are more inclined to reveal themselves to you.

In a time when many people seem to be fake, trying to put forth an image they think others want to see, people are desperate for authenticity. Authenticity requires that we be honest with ourselves and others, that we risk being rejected or unfairly judged, and that we take off our masks and become vulnerable. Sadly, too many people have been harshly treated after becoming real, but we cannot allow fear to dissuade us from living as our authentic selves.

God, in whose image we’ve been created, calls us to embrace our authentic selves and to strip away the masks we wear. Those who truly love us will embrace who we are and encourage us in our journey. Likewise, we learn to bring out the authentic self in others by creating a loving and accepting environment that encourages honesty, vulnerability, and mutual acceptance. That’s what Christ did in his ministry: He allowed people to strip away their façade and reveal the real person. As we strive to become an open book, we may make a difference in someone’s life who is struggling to accept their authentic self.

All of us are a story waiting to be written. Let’s strive to write our own story—not the one we think others want. Each person is unique, a reflection of God, and worthy of love. Life is too short to live on someone else’s terms. Embrace your authentic self, and let others see the real you.