Since we are just getting to know each other, I thought I would take a few moments to explain why I chose this name.
Authentic ~ I believe that the only authentic foundation for life is the infallible Word of God. I have tried the “ask the Universe”, daily affirmations, and power of positivity approaches and have come up empty. The world’s counterfeits might work for a little while, when your life is full of the joys of sunshine and springtime, but they are empty and hollow when you are struggling to make sense of the gray days, during a season of winter.
Perhaps it was because I had experience with the real thing, that those philosophies left me hungering for the personal relationship, and sure footing that can only be found when you have your feet firmly planted on the Truth. As I think back, I realize that even though I was angry with God, and felt hurt and betrayed by Him, because of circumstances He was allowing in my life that were dark and painful; He was still loving me, and carrying me, and giving me space to feel those emotions and work through them. He has the perspective of a loving father, who knows what is best for his child, and is secure enough in who he is, and what he is doing, that the child’s tantrum and angry words only make him want to hold her closer, and heal her hurts and fears, and help her to understand. He gave me that space, and then coaxed me back to Himself so tenderly. He loves me in spite of myself, which is a comfort that no amount of affirmations or positive thinking could give me.
Another reason I chose the word Authentic is because it is also a word that people have used to describe me. Usually, it is said with a bit of surprise, and in a sentence, like “Wow, you’re so authentic!” I wouldn’t say it is intended as a compliment, necessarily, so much as a slightly shocking realization, but nevertheless, it is an accurate assessment. I have never been good at pretending, and I guess I am too practical to try.
Hope ~ is my middle name. Yes, it actually is! And the older I get, the more I understand how vital Hope is to a meaningful life. It’s a very emotive word for me. And I know if you are struggling to get out of bed every morning to face another day, or are carrying the weight of an emotional, painful, and seemingly never-ending burden, the word Hope is going to resonate with you, too. There IS hope. And it is not a pie-in-the-sky, “I hope someday things will change” hope, but an Authentic Hope that will change the way you live in the midst of the confusing, disappointing, aimless, or angry, messy middle of life’s hard.
I know I will not be everyone’s “cup of tea”, and that’s ok with me. I’m more of a coffee drinker, myself. But if you do decide that I could be your “cup of tea”, I want you to know that I will be committed, trustworthy, and honest, and I will tell you the truth (in love) when necessary, so that you can grow and become the best version of yourself by working with me.
Until next time, I remain,
Authentically Me