It's so seductive in our culture to be other than what we are to be like someone else, to hide our inner being, to be what people want or expect us to be rather than dwelling in the truth of our own unique, yet universal, being. A lack of authenticity drives us far away from our own beating heart, fills us with anxiety and stress, and ends up destroying inner beauty, because it is the living of a lie.

Facing who we are, no matter how inadequate we have come to believe ourselves to be, is the beginning of living an authentic, real, honest and beautiful life. And, it's the only way to truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Give me courage, O God,

to stare at the truth of my own life