Life Lesson 4: Authenticity

I heard the rambling of Casey continuing to tell a story in my left ear as I was trying to talk to someone. We were in TJ Maxx and I ran into an old friend from my freshman year. I said hello and tried to briefly catch up but Casey would not stop talking. After this interaction I was frustrated at the rudeness of Casey's interactions. I went on to explain to her when I see someone in public she says hello, introduces herself and then is quiet so I am able to speak. Casey then went on to explain “I was just finishing my story”. This is not just Casey with me. Casey will tell the same story in the same way to anyone and everyone. That's why she kept going after saying hello to a stranger. Casey is unapologetically Casey; even if that means interrupting my conversations. Although she still needs to learn to be polite I’ve also learned from her the importance of authenticity.

I tend to be a chronic liar. Not necessarily in a bad way; I’d say I’m still very trustworthy (you can check with my friends). But I'm very good at sugar coating things. I do this often because I can be a pushover. Although I am a pushover I love politics and speaking my mind. Over the years I’ve become a lot more open minded and thanks to a friend of mine; Rachel, my mind has been changed a lot. There was a time when someone I didn't know well yet asked my opinion on abortion. I could tell they were very passionately pro-choice. Because of this I changed what I would normally say because I wanted them to still continue getting to know me. I told them “I’m more pro-life but I don’t know that much”. This was a total lie. I have researched the science behind abortion to exhaustion and am very passionately pro-life. I wasn't authentic to myself and my beliefs. Looking back at the worst case scenario they would disagree and we would have a conversation. But I still lie. I have found myself compromising my authenticity even in little stuff to be sure I’m accepted. I know I’m not the only one. Even those of you reading this, that are very outgoing and passionate about all of your beliefs, have sugar coated in your life. We can view sugar coating as not lying and still being authentic. But if we were to be real a white lie is still a lie. Authenticity is very important. When I mention Casey to someone she knows we are able to talk about her and shes the same Casey in both of our lives. This is because Casey is truly authentic. In my life my friends from church would talk about a very spiritually mature leader whereas my friends in JROTC would argue I’m a submissive leader at times and too strong at others. I need to work on my authenticity.

I believe that there are many Lindsays. I’m ready to be authentic with everyone I meet and be the same Lindsay in every area of my life. I want to thank Casey for teaching me what it means to be authentic. I hope she has also inspired you. When you aren't authentic; who are you trying to impress? The girl you don't agree with? Why do you need her approval? Be unapologetically your authentic self. Casey is a sassy, funny, talkative and determined girl. I’m Lindsay; Christ Follower, Leader, Caretaker, Preacher, and Disciple. Be authentic.

Application Challenge: Own up to when you haven't been authentic and decide what you can do to repaint yourself in authenticity.