SHARE Authentic Faith, my most personal Thyme4Faith post yet….
Authentic Faith
According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, being authentic means being true to one’s own personality, spirit or character. For me, that means wearing my faith on my sleeve. Essentially showing the same “faith face” to everyone. No matter whether you know me or not, or believe in Jesus or not. But having faith doesn’t mean I have it all figured out. Quite the opposite. Here’s an example that makes my heart ache to share. But it shows how authentic faith + real life can result in true growth.
Selfless vs Selfish
I covet my early mornings. It’s when I sip my steaming cup of tea while nestled in my coziest chair. Then I dive into my latest devotional reading and spend some quality time with God. But with my hubby’s ALS progression, bedtime schedules are one of the many things that have changed. Instead of being a night owl who sleeps in, Mike is now synced up to my early to bed/early to rise schedule. In some ways, this is more convenient. But it also put an end to my solitary God time. My feelings on losing this alone time became painfully obvious to Mike recently. As he called out for assistance in getting up, he detected the disappointment in my response. When he shared this with me, I was consumed with shame. How could my good intentions of spending time with God, lead me to hurting my husbands feelings? In a nutshell, I was not modeling the selfless love of Jesus, but being selfish about my own schedule.
Authentic Faith Requires Growth
I could have stayed mired in my shame and tears, but that’s not what authentic faith does. Instead, I reflected on how Jesus demonstrated selfless love during his brief life and purchased my forgiveness with His death. Because His sacrifice made the way, I confessed my selfishness to Mike and to God. Then I committed to leave this incident at the foot of the cross and believe that His mercies begin afresh each morning. In order to grow in compassion and love, I knew I needed more of His light shining through me. More of Him and less of me.
God provides many ways to encourage me in this area of growth. Here’s just one, which I think you’ll enjoy as well. In a recent Stephen Colbert interview, Chris Pratt was sharing what it took to survive in Hollywood. In essence, he said “If the light on you, is greater than the light in you, you’re dead.” I totally agree! Not just for surviving in Hollywood, but surviving in life.
Dear God, please encourage us to bring Jesus into the messiness of our lives. Free us from shame, disappointment or whatever holds us captive. Kindle your flame within us and make it outshine the darkness that is around us. Let us live out our faith authentically so we can encourage others. I pray this in your name Jesus. Amen.
You and Mike have been inspirational in the strength and courage you have both shown on your journey with ALS. Life is not fair and has many challenges, but something like ALS is a very rough road, which you have handled it with dignity, grace and courage. I hope you can find quiet moments to have conversations with God to keep your spirit renewed and strong.
Thanks for your kind words Tracey. They mean the world to me. I do manage to carve out God time. Couldn’t survive without it!
Cathy, That was an amazing article…. the height of vulnerability. It’s funny how we all have our times that we want for ourselves. In your case it was for “God time,” not even something frivolous you wanted to do for yourself. I know God blesses you for re-arranging your schedule!
Thanks for taking the time to comment Patty. It was a hard post to write but when I tuned into to God for inspiration, this is where he led me.
Once again my dear friend, you’ve inspired me to be a better person. I’ve been convicted of selfish thoughts & feelings regarding my new situation. I needed this reminder to let the light shine through me. Thank you for the encouraging words. God bless you!
You have also inspired me with how you have stepped into the support of your family. You have dealt with very challenging circumstances dear lady! Your family is so blessed to have you and I am blessed to know you.
Great faith share mom. Thank you for being so real and sharing your struggles. You are an amazing woman of God and I know that this was difficult to share. I’m so proud of you and I know God can use your storyto help other people.
I was actually inspired by the very personal stories I’ve seen other food bloggers share about their life journeys. It made me realize that being vulnerable can really touches lives. Bottom line – God can and does use everything if we let him! ❤️