Authentically New

There is a wonderful Arabic proverb that says, “When a person seeks their purpose, the Universe conspires to answer.”

I had been looking for just the right framework to teach a lesson on becoming one’s most authentic self when I received my Universal gift.

The gift came from the brilliant theologian and pastor of Christ Church Episcopal in Savannah, Georgia, Rev. Michael White.

It was Easter Sunday and Michael spoke of the resurrection. I’ve deliberately used a small “r,” because while Rev. Michael referenced the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, he emphasized the resurrection of the listeners.

Michael began by talking about the raising of Lazarus from his tomb. He stilled the minds of the crowd with this thought, “Lazarus was not resurrected; he was resuscitated into his old body, his old self. Jesus was resurrected and was made new.”

Michael went on to describe a period in his childhood when he so desperately wanted to play for the NBA. He said that he practiced free throws daily and dreamt of the day when he’d play professionally. He explained that the dream was fine for his childhood self, but as an adult, no amount of practice would enable him to realize that dream.

Michael said that a dream to play basketball was an old dream.

Instead, Michael pointed out, we need to be resurrected into something completely new.

Which takes me to my point. This wonderful treatise on the differences between being resuscitated back into our old self, and being resurrected into a new calling is what I needed to say the following.

Finding your authentic self, your voice, vision and calling should be about being reborn into something new.

You must bring the lessons you've learned on your life’s journey, but you must be resurrected into something new.

Ask yourself these questions:

How can you combine your talents, abilities and dreams into a completely authentic expression of who you are now?

If you could change anything in your world, what would it be?

If you could bring something to your surroundings, what would it be?

If you could leave just one thing for future generations, what could it possibly be?

When Mary finally recognized Jesus, she wanted to hold him, but Jesus told her, not to hold onto him, as he was not his old flesh.

If you want to do something new, do not hold on to the old self. If you want to leave a message of peace, love, hope or understanding, give those things to yourself first and begin a journey of authenticity.

Be You, be well, be wonderful.

Bertice Berry, PhD.