I have been reading Susan Howatch’s book “Glittering Images.” It is an intriguing portrayal of self-deception and how that affects the lives we live. The main character is brought to the breaking point by trying to maintain his “glittering image” which needs constant approval to feel worth. It is the story of finding one’s true self and the joy that comes with that discovery.

Enter this video by Brene Brown. Being broken and vulnerable is a scary thing. Guilt and shame keep us from living  as authentically as we could. Her talk is 20 minutes, but it is outstanding and well worth the time.

How do we get to our true self? How do we live authentic lives?

Our identity must first and foremost be firmly rooted in the love and acceptance of God. If we do not do that, we struggle to find our acceptance and identity in this world. Which means that they are shifting and unsettled and totally unable to give us value and worth that is stable and unshakable.

Jesus often talks, especially in the Gospel of John, about how this material world will never give us the true life we desire and for which we constantly seek. John 6.35 “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'”

Here is the link: Expanding Perceptions