Good Morning!
It's a C-O-L-D 37 degrees here in SW Louisiana this morning. Seems we went from summer to winter in one fell swoop but I think it's supposed to warm back up next week. Let's hope anyway!
Meanwhile, please welcome DiAnn Mills back as she shares some thoughts with us on authenticity. Take it away, DiAnn....
Authenticity—A Crack or a Patch in Our Character?
Are you authentic? Are you without a doubt genuine, reliable, trustworthy, and dependable? No cracks in your plaster? Known for your honesty? Faithful? Real? We’d all like to check the “yes” box for all those noble traits, but sometimes living up to authenticity isn’t easy.
Through experience, we acquire the characteristics that earn us respect and admiration. Some of life’s happenings threaten to beat us into the ground; others fill us with confidence. We need both to keep us humble and should always strive to be better people.
Cracks in our plaster find healing in a desire and determination to change and patch the rough spots.
We can consciously work toward authenticity by practicing the following noble actions.
1. Reach out to God daily for direction. His ways are far above our agenda.
2. Add value to other people’s lives by putting their needs above our own. Selfishness solves nothing but alienates us from those who could use our help or expertise. On our own, we digest a worldview that life is only about us.
3. Practice kindness with no thought of what we might receive in return.
4. Listen before speaking. How many times have we heard that we have two ears but one mouth?
5. Open our hearts to friendship with those who aren’t like us.
6. Value truth. Avoid gossip and self-serving declarations.
7. Read in every category: news, nonfiction, fiction, poetry, articles, and blog posts. Be aware of what is going on around us.
8. Love unconditionally without conditions or stipulations. This doesn’t mean we open the door to foolish decisions or abuse, but we choose love over hate.
9. Respect the world God has created for us.
10. Seek wisdom above all things.
Authenticity underscores a person’s contribution to the world. How do you practice being authentic?
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
Beautiful guidance, DiAnn and definitely something to think about and strive for!
Hope you enjoyed today's post, friends and that you'll visit each week for more Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Meanwhile, check out DiAnn's latest book, Concrete Evidence available everywhere great Christian fiction is sold and DiAnn's previous posts HERE.
Until next week, take care and God bless.
PamT
