A buzz word among the writing community. Among churches. Among the market savvy.
But if we’re only “authentic” for the sake of being more marketable, does that qualify as genuine authenticity?
Genuine. Not false. True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.
It’s why writers “write what we know.” When we’re vulnerable and honest, people can relate.
But truth isn’t always comfortable, is it?
Honesty is the knife that cuts to the heart of a conversation. I treasure the genuine words of a friend even when they admonish. I crave accountability from someone who wants the best for me. If I’m about to jump in to something, I want to know what I’m in for. From someone who’s been there. I don’t like surprise flaws.
And I’m confident I’m not alone. I’ve even heard people say it. *glances around to see who’s listening*
People want the truth.
But then that tiresome, aggravating voice taunts. What if my truth isn’t “victorious” enough? Don’t people want the highlights? Don’t they find encouragement in the words of “successful” and “popular” followers of Christ? Don’t people value the testimony of the redeemed drug addict or the lifelong missionary above that of the woman who plods along in suburbia, back from the mission field after only six years?
What if people seek gold and all I have to share is silver? Or worse, if all I have is some polluted alloy that requires years of refinement before it’s worth such a price? Dare I still offer it? Or should I hide it and let the other, more successful missionaries and ministers have the floor?
I believe God wants me to speak and let Him worry about my worth.
At a writing conference, an esteemed editor challenged me. I shared a hint of my own testimony from the mission field–one of God’s mercy and strength in my sin, brokenness, illness, and pain. He pointed out that most advertisers, when they want to create a good impression of a product, emphasize the product’s strength. My story, he said, seems to be the fine print at the bottom of the missions advertisement. Because I emphasize the weaknesses. And he warned: “People who want to promote missions might not appreciate that.”
Immediately, I checked myself. I never want to glorify Bethany Kaczmarek–not even my weakness. While I do seek to be authentic, it is God to whom I seek to bring glory.
But I am living proof. God works in the fine print. He moves in the failures, in the side-effects of ministry done in your own strength, in the fear of the doubter, and in the heart of the hopeless. There have been victories along the way, but they have not been mine. Only Christ’s in me.
Christ’s.
In me.
Long ago, when I first entered I-Can-Blog-Land, I said that I’d do a series of posts on my missionary journey. I hesitated (for a long, long while), concerned by the opinions of those who may not appreciate my perspective on the topic. But several people have asked about them, and the Lord continues to nudge. Methinks the time has come. That said, this Monday, I’ll republish the post that started the whole fine print conversation. Then, stop by each week or so, and I’ll pass out a magnifying glass. Together, we can scrutinize some piece of my life and see what God has done.
WARNING: These pieces are not pretty. But remember. I’m not a gimmick girl. What you’ll get is authentic. God works in the broken, marred, and ugly places to reshape, to reform, and to reflect His glory.
Help me get the word out. Invite a friend to come along. It’s time we start a genuine conversation.
Go with God, write with God, listen to God every step of the way and do whatever He tells you to do, Bethany. Write what He gives you to say. It is the story He wants to tell through you and it isn’t over yet. Always write knowing you don’t all the details to come, even in your own story. You are loved and you are called.
I’ll be reading along. 🙂
Lori, thank you so much! What encouragement. Your friendship is a blessing to me. And Veronica, I’m encouraged by your sticking with me after all these years. (And persistence in getting a comment to post on here). 🙂
I often remind myself of Flannery O’Connors’s words–“Once a book leaves our hands, it belongs to God.”–The results are up to Him whether a blog or a book, but if we don’t offer something, He has nothing to work with. Tell your story as only you can.
“But I am living proof. God works in the fine print. He moves in the failures, in the side-effects of ministry done in your own strength, in the fear of the doubter, and in the heart of the hopeless. There have been victories along the way, but they have not been mine. Only Christ’s in me.”
Authentic…and powerful.
Woohoo! You ladies are encouraging! Stop by anytime. 🙂 Marcia, I love that quote. And Vonda, I could hug your neck for those words! I’m glad God can use me.
I took a deep breath after reading this. Authenticity is so refreshing! Way to step out in faith Bethany! Looking forward to the pieces of your story strewn with the fingerprints of God
Beautiful. And don’t listen to the guy who wants you to polish up and sanitize your story – for what? Because he thinks that will move people to achieve his ends? What moves people is authenticity – that’s why it’s so valued. It’s real and believe me, people know the difference.
I agree with all the above feedback — beautifully said. If God is nudging, it matters not what others think. Be authentic — as it’s through our willingness to be authentic that we reflect Christ the most. Thanks for sharing, Bethany!
@ Lesley I so appreciate hearing that. You, Sue, and Cathy all gave me the verbal hug I needed. Thanks!
@ Sue, I think you’re right. People definitely do know the difference. I don’t think the editor’s motives were personal, and I didn’t take offense at all…just felt sad that–on so many levels–there remains a misguided focus on those few incredible missionary stories where God moved radically. So much of what God does is through simple, normal people who are yielded to Him fully. No matter their location.
@ Cathy, you’re a blessing. Thank you for stopping by and dropping a note of encouragement. 🙂
Though I did not ask about the series on life on the field, I am delighted to learn that it is about to be launched. To God be the glory!
May God continue to hold your hand!!
Just finished reading Authenticity and am blown away! You, Bethany…being the essence of the word! God is using your writing and stories in a mighty way…keep going…like the energizer bunny…you’ll never run out of ‘juice’ with God as your supplier.
God bless you and may He send others to encourage you in this en-devour set before you as a race that you will finish…