Uncovering the Cover Girl

When the Mask Falls Away, Part II

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT) 

The world is demanding that you be the “perfect Christian woman”, but I pray you are taking steps toward living your life being you. You know, one hundred percent! God’s girl. If God’s loves you with all your flaws, does it really matter what others think?

God never called you to perform, or to be a “God-bot”. You have been called to freedom. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. So, stand firm and don’t be burdened by the slavery of conformity. (Galatians 5:1 almost) Authenticity is about being honest with God and yourself firstly and then others. It is about stepping into your true identity in Christ. Come on, let’s take a deeper dive into three more areas that I believe are necessary to tackle if you are to live authentically.

 First let’s look at integrity, honesty, and values. Many think that integrity is simply telling the truth, but integrity is living a life that is in alignment with whom and what you represent to others – even when no one is looking. Who you are at church should be who you are at home and at work. Honesty is not about “not lying” it’s about being true to yourself even when it’s uncomfortable. Honesty is being true to your word, say what you mean and mean what you say. It is about not using manipulation to gain favor even if it’s easier.

You may struggle with this level of honesty because you don’t want to be judged for not being a “good Christian, employee, friend” or whatever the case may be. Maybe you don’t want to upset the apple cart, so you’ve become a people pleaser. Or maybe you set some unrealistic goal and think you should be “there” by now so pretending to be “there” (wherever that is) is your cover up.

By contrast, what you value will ultimately shape your priorities and how you choose to interact with the world. Your values set the groundwork for making decisions. They influence how you treat others. In essence, your values set the standard for the whole of your life and impact everything from your career path to your personal relationships.

Second, take responsibility and own your story. You have to take responsibility for your choices, the successes and accolades as well as the mistakes and failures. No one likes a victim. Blaming others, making excuses or hiding behind past trauma is not attractive. You must become responsible for your own healing. Own your story and heal from what hurt you. When you own your stuff, there is nothing looming, no one can hang anything over your head, there’s nothing to hide from. When you own your own story, you are released from fear and free to love.

You are not accountable for what happened to you, but you are definitely responsible for your healing. It’s true, hurt people hurt people. Healing is not only for you, but also for the others who love you. Be certain that when it’s all said and done, you will give an account only for yourself. (Romans 14:12). Taking responsibility takes you from victimhood to victory, from emotional and spiritual bondage to freedom.

Lastly, learn to be comfortable with the skin you’re in. Find your voice. Express yourself and celebrate your uniqueness. There is more than one way to be a woman. He made you with a personality and gifts that are uncommonly yours. Are you a leader like Deborah or a warrior like Jael? Are you a teacher like Priscilla or a mother like Mary? Did they say that you were too outspoken, too strong, too empathetic, not feminine enough? Let me assure you that God knew exactly what God was doing when God formed you. So, express yourself. Embrace how God made you and don’t be afraid to express it. Express in your speech. Express it in your style. Express it in your creativity. Express yourself!

Please stop comparing yourself to those who seem to be the “ideal” woman, wife, or whatever! You are you. Don’t be afraid to express that in your style of leadership, motherhood, and in your voice. Yes, speak up and express yourself. Your thoughts and perspectives matter. Besides, when your light shines by you being you, you give others permission to shine too.

The world may celebrate “cover girls” – flawless, filtered, and fake – but God? Well, God celebrates the real you. The woman who walks in truth, owns her journey, and express herself freely.

Last month I asked you to take one step toward authenticity. Today, I’m asking you to take three. I challenge you to live with integrity, take responsibility, and express yourself boldly knowing that the most beautiful version of you is the one God created.

Which of these three areas do you struggle with most? Share in the comments, I’d love to pray for you!

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If you’d like to study the Bible with a dynamic group of women, I invite you to join us in September. We are laid back, authentic, and no question is off the table. We’re all chasing after God and running at our own pace in our own way.  Curious? Send me an email ReVision Women Bible study and I’ll send you the deets.