“Pleased to meet me”
Getting honest with who we are
One of the most powerful sermons I ever heard was from a close friend, Steven Leslie Johnson. Steve is one of the most selfless people I know. He has also taught me one of the most meaningful lessons in adult life: you have to invest time and money into your friendships – otherwise, they are weak and hollow. The reason why I am telling you this is “context” for the sermon I mentioned above. It was about …. Wait for it …. Loving yourself. Specifically, loving your neighbor as yourself. But the heart of the message was about loving yourself.
Loving yourself? Isn’t that the exact opposite of the Christian message to deny self? Isn’t that moving us toward every feminists favorite description of men who think about their own needs too often…what’s that called? Oh yeah, narcissism. Like fingernails on a chalkboard are men that foam at the mouth and thump their chest about how fantastic they are. But men worth their salt know that type of boasting comes from a place of weakness.
But there is something mesmerizing about a man who appropriately loves himself. I’ve had examples of men in my life like this, but one observation I’ve made about this kind of man is that they know who they are. They know who they are because they are clear on who they aren’t.
You pretend to be savvy in business, but you are a trust fund dude with no clue about business.
You act all chill, but you are a bottle of champagne just waiting to get uncorked.
If you are a woman, you think you enter the room like Sophia Vergara, but you are actually more like Tina Fey.
You get the point.
Tying this all together
I believe it’s impossible to live a meaningful life if we are successfully being someone we are not. We may be checking a lot of boxes on appearances, material spoils, and the praise of others – but only an authentic self will bring us into a meaningful life.
The way into the authentic self is by dropping your guard and being known. By being invited into a circle of trust – a place where strong and compassionate souls build each other up and move each other forward.
Have you considered becoming a part of this type of growth group? If you are interested, click here and let’s see if this is a good fit for you.