Genuine ...

This morning in worship we heard a message about, among other things, the importance of being genuine.  "Genuine," in this case, refers to openness and honesty in our relationships with others.  I was shocked and convicted as I sat listening to the message and subsequent study group discussion.  I was struck with the realization that, often in the daily "blah, blah, blah" of life, I am not genuine in my relationships with others. 

In my daily exchange with people I give in all too often to fear.  Fear of conflict, fear of rejection, fear of unpopularity, fear of I-don't-know-what prevents me from saying what I mean.  I go through life suppressing my feelings, my thoughts, my desires.  Instead, I say things to pacify whoever is at the receiving end of my charming banter - students, family, friends, children, my wife. 

No more (he said, knowing full well that he was full of shit).

If I am going to do things God's way (and, at least I say that's what I want to do), then I have signifcant work to do.  I must eschew my current fear of how I will look in the eyes of others.  I must say what I mean.

Maybe that's the hidden reason behind my unexplained tremors, night sweats, weight gain, hypertension?

Or maybe I'm just a nervous, fat, sweaty, hyper old man.

Hmmmm....   I'm thinking the former.  I need to be more genuine in my life.  When I desire something, I must express that desire.  When I am upset, I must say so.  Happy?  I must let it show.  I must be the genuine person God created me to be.  No apologies.  No excuses.  No hiding.  No inhibition.

Ooh!  Ooh!  I just thought of an old children's song:

"Here I am.
Look at me.
I hope you like
the person you see ..."

There's more, of course, but I can't remember it at the moment (big surprise, huh?).

Look out, world, here I come ... the "genuine" ME.

(Oy vey!!)


...Later!