Authenticity

We are studying about authentic relationships in our church small group. Within the last 4 years of my life, I have had to come clean and be transparent in my relationships. No longer can I hide under a "mask" that I created that everything was peachy-keen. I grew up in a small town. Many people from that same small town read this blog. Some because they know and love me; some maybe not so much. I don't really blame the latter group, I wasn't always the super-sweet girl that I am now (just kidding- I'm not that arrogant). Growing up, I was raised in the church by wonderful parents. We went to church every Sunday, sat in the second row, I was involved in youth group, etc... but I didn't truly have a daily walk with God. I searched for authenticity within myself. I partied (moderately- this girl has always been drug-free!!!) in high school, in college, in my early twenties, and I renewed my relationship with God at about age 25. However, I didn't truly know an AUTHENTIC relationship with God (where I wasn't trying to control the outcome of prayer) until a few years later when I quit trying to control my life and let Him do what He does best.

Then, we found ourselves in another storm this past year. I won't go into the particulars as this isn't the forum, but God brought us back from the brink of disaster. God knows the true you. I feel that this is a struggle for so many young moms today. We are supposed to be able to handle it all, right? We need to do everything that women/wives/mothers are called to do (yes, Ms. Independent, I said "called"- read Proverbs 31) and keep up with the societal expectations of adorable children in adorable clothes, photos sessions, blogs, scrapbooking, room mom, over-the-top birthday parties, working out (hello, I wanna) and keeping it all together, all the time. Well, I tell ya- I worked my tail off caring for my hubby, young children, discipling said unruly children, cleaning and cleaning and cleaning this house with no end in sight (same with the laundry- not complaining, just sayin...) and I don't have it all together. I was exasperated by the time I got two of our children, myself, my book, Bible, and brownies to small group last night(Hubby had an event). But, I could show that to my dear friends in small group as there are not many pretenses or facades that we put up in our group. I love that about our church. We aren't comparing coa ch diaper bags and bragging about our latest and greatest adventures (yes, I covet their iphones & imacs- i want one- can't help it, but I am in a contract with another carrier and am too frugal to pay the disconnect fee...) I honestly don't believe that there is any "catty" behavior in our church. I don't see jealousy or comparison- I see authenticity. The AUTHENTIC you that you probably don't want the world to see as you feel that it is the ugly side of the truth. No one is perfect. If someone has one area of their life together- I can betcha that they feel that another side is completely falling apart. So, I ask dear blog readers (all 44 or so of you)- can we be authentic?