Originally posted on April 1, 2011
The real, real….. <insert sarcasm> right.
It seems a lot of people are determined to let us know that they are “keeping it real”. Very good. Nothing better than being your true, authentic self. I mean, it’s how we were created and what we were put here for, to be ourselves, to give our gifts and uniqueness to the world.
The real trouble though, is we are often being our real selves that someone taught us that we are supposed to be. We are often being our real selves that hide truth from even ourselves. Truths about how we really feel, when we really are hurt, when we really want love and attention and affirmation. When we really feel insecure, inadequate and ill prepared to deal with things.
Instead of allowing those “real” feelings to show in our “real” selves, we put up a brave, wise and often rough front. We exhibit bravado that can almost get to the point of bullying. We are being “real” with no one, but we’re “keeping it real” with our big mouths, hard exterior and shiny shells that the world had taught us we should all have.
Yes all of us.
God created each of us uniquely for us ALL to be the same, act the same, look the same, be shiny, perfect and new at all times……yes….makes no sense.
Do something different and be REAL! Be Authentic. You don’t have to show everyone your teeth and you should definitely know when to keep your emotions to yourself and go home and cry to momma and momma only, but….stop fronting on who you really are and what you really feel.
Anyone that cannot accept or appreciate you for the REAL you is not worth your time anyway.
Selah (a phrase used in Psalms meaning “pause, and think on these things”)
People often talk about their “real” friends and “real” situations. The truth is we have all fallen short. We have all offended people and sometimes unknowingly. We should never be so haughty to believe that we had no role in the world doing us wrong. What you give is often what you get, and THAT’s for real! Forgive, forget, move on.
