Living a Life of Authenticity

For the past few years, every week or so, I have been going to a bible fellowship with several ladies in my community. It has become a place of comfort for me, as my fellow students and teacher are also my dear friends. We gather with great intentions to open our hearts to God, to seek out personal healing and to, perhaps, marvel in a moment of peace from our all too hectic lives.

Prayer may begin our gathering or end us as we depart; both are equally a blessing. Sometimes we chatter for an hour about life, our kids, our husbands…even political subjects, of which, we all do not agree. Nevertheless, our fellowship is always a treasured joy simply because we unite as one in friendship and Light.

Kathleen--who graciously opens her home, offers warming tea on cold days and a spectacular view of Northport’s harbor on warm days--is always prepared with a new tidbit of insight or higher Truth. Even if she did not formally prepare, she spontaneously follows the lead of Spirit by gracing us with her soft, passionate voice as loving words gently flow from her lips. We always leave feeling uplifted; changed from when we arrived. We come with open hearts and leave with them filled.

This year we decided to follow a teaching from a book called “The Life Model, Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You”. As we began reading, it occurred to me that it may be the most important lesson of the year; especially in these changing times.

The introduction reads, “The Life Model is not just a theory, it is a model...it does not just talk about growing, it gives you practical steps on how to mature...it does not just promote recovery, it identifies specific ways to heal traumas. And lastly, it does not offer casual reading, it challenges you to change and grow and be the person that God designed you to be.”

And who are we designed to be? Simply stated, “We are to be whole.”

Over the next few months, we will be taking our time reading each chapter. Not just to digest its words of wisdom, but more importantly, to deliberately apply this wisdom to our daily lives. For me, as a student who is also a teacher, I will joyfully share its profound message with those who are willing to open their hearts and live a life of authenticity.

In light, always,

Mags