Are you showing up authentically? You may find it difficult to truly connect with others if you aren’t comfortable with your own story.

But I’m here to tell you, there is so much freedom in embracing all of who you are without shame. 

My lifelong friend Jada Edwards joined me to chat about how she embraces her authenticity. Jada is all about encouraging others to get clear about what is true about our lives and to walk freely in it.

In this fun, yet transparent chat between friends, we get real about:

  • Discerning when to be vulnerable
  • Answering the call to discipleship
  • Uprooting old beliefs

Trust me, I know that living authentically is a process. There might be parts of your story that require you to seek outside support for healing. But the work is worth it.

Discerning when to be vulnerable

When is the right time to share parts of your story with others? If you’re in denial about parts of your life, it will be difficult for you to open up to someone else. The more comfortable you are with the truth about you, you’ll be able to tap into opportunities to help someone else along the way. 

While you can show up as your authentic self all the time, you can’t be vulnerable with everyone. Things can get messy if you don’t allow God to discern how much to share, when to share, and who to share it with. God can see what you can’t see. He knows what the other person needs at that moment. Allow Him to lead you in sharing your story.

Answering the call to discipleship

God calls all of us to discipleship, even as life is happening. Showing up authentically will allow you to pour into someone else. It also allows others to pour into you. As you build relationships with others, there may be moments when you are called to speak the truth in love. It is important to focus on building real relationships with others first so that trust is established before correction is given.

Jada takes discipleship seriously in all aspects of her life. She pours into others as a pastor’s wife, a mother, an author, and in her career. How has God equipped you to show up for others in your life? You can influence those around you just as you are.

Uprooting old beliefs

As you lean into the way you are uniquely wired, you will be confronted with old ways of thinking. Know that you are free to surrender the things that no longer serve the purpose God has for you. Sometimes, God is ready to do a new thing in your life, but you have to let go of the old things first. Be careful to build your house on the right foundation.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”-Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

Learning how to show up authentically in your life looks different for everyone. Spend some time learning what works for you and lean into who you truly are.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Discerning when to be vulnerable
  • Answering the call to discipleship
  • Uprooting old beliefs

Related Resources

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Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. Are you holding back parts of your story out of shame?
  2. How has God equipped you to show up for others in your life?
  3. What old ways of thinking do you need to let go of?

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