An Authentic Life

Living Authentically, was the theme of my life in 2012. I didn't write a blog post about it but I did write about it often in my personal journal. Not to mention I talked about it way too often with my closest friends & my husband.

Living Authentically is crucial in life because I wholeheartedly believe that it is impossible to become who God has called each of us to be if we are not living authentically. 

Last year I started realizing how common it was for people to live unauthentically. People live out these lives that really are not what they want. From buying the car that everyone else does, wearing the shoes everyone is wearing, and participating in activities (hobbies) that everyone else is because they are going along with the flow. It goes far beyond material things and straight into not having the ability to express personal opinions, emotions, and dream out of fear of rejection. Their lives don't belong to them. Instead their life has become about pleasing others, finding happiness in acceptance, and craving to fit a mold. This hit me hard last year. This is perhaps the reason behind limited spiritual growth. If you don't know who you are, how can you expect to grow in Christ?

After much soul searching, I pulled the breaks on allowing myself to follow this path. I just could not go there. Fortunately I didn't travel far down this rode. Staying authentic to myself is more important than following along, even if this means not everyone will understand me. And perhaps I get funny looks sometimes after expressing my thoughts, thats okay. 

This last year has been so much fun discovering who I am, the things I like, love, adore, and getting back to what truly inspires me. This past year I've made lots of pretty things that make me smile, found out that I love to bake & cook (who knew?), I am crazy about hoop art. I have truly enjoyed painting again. Especially with my Noah. Incredible to teach him about worshiping through art. I've fallen in love with scripture art. The Lord has been faithful in showing himself to me more & more as I pour my heart out through drawing. Even when its not pretty, I still walk away learning & growing in him.

I love living authentically with my family & friends. Playing hard in the rain, running around until we are so tired we just fall over, riding bikes, roller blading, and spending time together in worship. 

I've enjoyed more date nights with my man this last year. 

This year I have enjoyed so many late nights with friends on my back porch. God has given me some of the most beautiful friendships this year. I am forever thankful for the precious friends who come over at all hours of the night/day to share coffee with me, laugh, cry, pray, grow spiritually, and live life with. 

The most valuable aspect of striving to live 2012 authentically was developing a true hunger for Jesus that came out of knowing who I am in Him. Discovering how to live authentically through Jesus, becoming who he has called me to be. Wholeheartedly I believe that it is impossible to become who God has called each of us to be if we are not living authentically through him.

Hope you consider living authentically in 2013. I will be striving to continue living authentically in Christ. Can't wait to share (sometime soon) the theme God has called me to live out this year.

~Brit