Authenticity

"When you are authentic, you create a certain energy... People want to be around you because you are unique." -Andie McDowell

What is authenticity? Why is it an admirable quality that attracts people?
Authentic comes from the Greek word Authentikos, meaning original, genuine, principal. To be authentic is to be real, vulnerable to our surroundings. It's so hard to find authentic people today, and I wonder why that's the case. Maybe the society wrongly shapes how we think we should be, money mongers putting out TV ads that make us feel like we need to look better and portray ourselves as 'cool' to others. Maybe our peers force us to be guarded and live afraid of what people would think of us.
I've had the pleasure to meet some of the most authentic people I know over the last month. And they're teenagers, living in a selfish society. These teens have taught me that to be authentic is to be free. It is generous and most of all, being authentic is to love.
Authenticity is returning to our natural state, unbroken connection with God and full trust in our neighbor. Friends, the way to return to this connection is through dynamic prayer. St. Teresa of Calcutta said prayer is an authentic conversation with God. Prayer is what brings us back to our roots!
If you have a hard time praying or being quiet, just you and God, you may need to ask yourself some hard questions: What am I afraid of hearing in the silence of of my heart? Is my heart quiet enough to hear God's still, small voice? Because, as we learn with Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11, God isn't in the fire or the earthquake but in the tiny whisper of the wind.
So I would really encourage you to set time aside every day to allow God to talk to you. Let's remember: God didn't choose perfect people, he chose authentic people. He wants to choose you.
Be authentic. Love people.

God bless,
your friend Jacob