LOOK IN THE MIRROR: WHAT DO YOU SEE? FACT, FICTION OR FANTASY: ARE YOU LIVING AUTHENTICALLY? !!!!!

LIVE AUTHENTICALLY!

"Self reflection is the school of wisdom." Balasar Gracian "Truth hurts, but it also sets you free. Look in the mirror and be honest with yourself." Oprah Winfrey.

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do." James 1:23-27

When we look into a mirror, we see a reflection of our physical features. We also see more than that; we can see some part of our spiritual selves; like peace, love, contentment. Sometimes we see the opposite emotions. What we are feeling sometimes shows up on our face. At times, we "wear a mask." Not a physical mask, but a mental one that hides what we are really feeling. This mask is not visible to others, but we know it's there; we are not living the truth of who we are. I am not saying that we are trying to necessarily deceive anyone, but there are times when we would rather pretend that we are doing well or doing what people think we are doing to avoid explaining our real circumstances. It's like with children, when the teacher asks where their homework is, they might say, "the dog ate it." It's a lousy (and false) excuse, but admitting their neglect in not doing their homework would probably lead to some type of disciplinary action, and they do not want to face the consequences that might occur. So, it is easier to dismiss it with an untruth; no matter how ridiculous.

In actuality, we do not want others to think less of us or we want to people to think more of us. Either way, we are not being authentic. I am not suggesting that we tell our life story to people every time we greet or meet someone. What I am saying is that we should always be truthful and honest in our dealings and treatment of others (and with ourselves). I remember my late grandfather, Rev. James Jackman, would tell us a a story about a man who had a different story (lie) for each person who came to visit him. When he would see someone approach the house, he would tell everyone in the household to "turn your tongue," meaning it was time for the lies to begin. Of course, the story did not end well, the truth would have spared the man in the story. Read the Bible story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. They lost their lives for lying.

Living authetically means being honest in all things, big and small. You should behave the same way whether someone is watching or not; listening or not. That's integrity. This conversation about living authentically took place one Sunday when I was teaching a Church School class. Students in my class are on the honor system. Whenever I give homework, I trust them to do it without my checking, and I also take at face value the wonderful progress they tell me is taking place in their Christian walk. My classwork assignment to my students one Sunday was to use the word of God as a reflection by looking into it as though in a mirror; and "make the needed adjustments to your life (based on the word of God)." We study God's word so that we can be more like Jesus. When looking deep into ourselves, it makes this assignment more doable if we openly and honestly look into the mirror of our souls and respond with the truth and a willingness to change.

The word of God should cause us to see our true spiritual condition; if we do not, then something is amiss, and we need to go back and review our understanding of the principles of the word of God and how we are to live accordingly. Both the apostle Peter and Job did some reflection and gained a better understanding of the word of God, the nature of God, and their own shortcomings. The apostle Peter showed regret for denying Jesus, demonstrating a willingness to acknowledge his flaws. Additionally, Job though initially questioning God's silence, ultimately came to a more understanding and accepting view of his suffering. "The mirror is a reflection of the mind. If you look at it with focus, you will understand yourself better." Deepak Chopra.

"Whoever says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person." 1 John 2:4. In other words, "If we claim that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth." 1 John 1:6. You may be able to fool some people, but God knows the truth. He knows when you are living it. (Or at least trying). He knows what we are capable of. "My dear children, I write this so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1. We are not in this alone.

At the end of the class, my students were given homework; they were to write a paragraph about how the word of God prompted them to make changes in themselves; leading to genuinely living the Christian life. They were to list three ways or three things. For example, if the student shared that they have a special time to pray everyday, they would go into the specifics. Like, what time, place and duration of the prayer time. If someone said that the word of God inspired them to give more, they would share to whom, what cause, regularity and the generousity of their gifts, etc. (Only if they want to share the generousity of their gift). The idea is that these revelations would be the truth, and that they were moved by God's word to be honest and consistent in their efforts. "Growth begins when we start to reflect on our own lives." Michael Hyatt.

Michael Jackson got it right when he said, he was starting with the "man in the mirror." "I'm gonna make a change for once in my life, It's gonna feel real good, Gonna make a difference, Gonna make it right."

"As I turn the collar up on my favorite winter coat, The wind is blowing my mind, I see the kids in the street, With not enough to eat, Who am I to be blind, Pretending not to see their needs?"- Lyrics from song "Man in the Mirror."

Mr. Jackson reflected, opened his heart and his pockets to make a difference to help those less fortunate. "The more reflective you are, the more effective you are." Peter Drucker. "In every mirror there is an opportunity to grow by seeing not just the reflection, but the potential." Mel Robbins. Michael Jackson made that change. He maximized the potential. It was authentic. I believe that we should all be so reflective.

What change/s do you seek to enhance your life to live the truth; to live authentically?

1. Take a good long look in a physical mirror. Of course, you will see your physical features (your reflection) and you may or may not be pleased. That's okay. I advise you to accept what you see. If there is something you can improve (nothing extreme), do it. "When you look in the mirror, face what's really there, not what you what you want to see." Bruce Lee.

2. Take a good look in the mirror of your soul. Are you the best person you can be? Have you cared for yourself and others? If you need to do more, do it now. Love means taking action to make a difference in your life and in the life of others.

3. Are you authentic? Do you live your truth daily? In one of his writings, the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare declared, "to thine ownself be true." If you lie to yourself, then there is no way you are authentic. Tell yourself the truth and live it.

4. Pray and seek God's wisdom in all that you do and before you do anything. Honestly speaking, there is not much that we can do without Him.

5. Determine if you are living the life you talk about. If not, stop; regroup and begin living for real. "To truly know yourself, look into the mirror and confront your fears, dreams, and doubts." Steve Maraboli.

We cannot maintain a lie; at least not for a lifetime anyway. Your real self is going to show through. "No mirror can reflect a picture of a human as best as his attitude and way of speaking do." Unknown. The truth will bear out.

TRIBUTE TO A TRULY AUTHENTIC LADY;

I recently attended the homegoing celebation for a dear, longtime family friend: MS. LORRAINE TURNER. When people spoke about her, there was a common theme; she was an extremely loving person who treated everyone with kindness. I have known Ms. Lorraine Turner for almost fifty years, and I concur. She was my youngest daughter's (who is now 41 years old) first babysitter. Her most endearing qualities were the love, care, and nurture that she showed to me and my family and to everyone. And, I especially appreciated the excellent care she took of Lia (my daughter). Her door was always open; she was always available to talk and to share a delicious meal that she had cooked. There was never a time when she was angry or upset. She never complained about anything; even when she lost her daughter to a terminal illness. Her faith did not waiver. If you needed something she could provide, she did so with a smile.

Ms. Lorraine, as she was affectionately called, was never judgmental, and she did not gossip. She was fun; she could beat the best of them at playing cards and boy could she cook! She freely shared. She was also a great dancer; even at 95. She was phenomenal; she spread love effortlessly. She served God with humility and was a great asset to her church as she served faithfully in several ministries at her church for years. I knew she was wonderful, but now I realize just how wonderful. I am so blessed and grateful that God allowed Ms. Lorraine Turner to be a part of my life for many years and so thankful that she lived a long life (95 years) and that she was able to bring love and joy to those she loved, met, and befriended.

Rest in peace, my dear and loving friend. Your legacy of love will live on. You were an inspiration, a treasure, and truly authentic. That's a fact!

With much love, much gratitude and much respect, The Lane Family

When you live the truth, there is no need to put on a front or to practice being authentic, you are. People will be drawn to your authenticity and will be blessed by it. Continue to be genuine. This way you can look in the mirror and smile, knowing that your living is real (not fiction or fantasy) and a role model for others. May God bless you as you continue to endeavor to live your best life, that is your most authentic life.

Yours, Yvette

Thank you always for your support. I remain most appreciative. You can comment at vttlane@gmail.co.

Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Note: There is a typo in the quote in the photo above. People is spelled incorrectly. It should read: Beautiful souls recognize beautiful souls. Keep being genuine. Your people will find you.