Living Authentically: Finding Your True Self
- millicentassoc
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 27
— Millicent V. Brown
“I once was lost…but now I’m found.”
There’s a freedom that comes when we stop pretending.
For years, I thought I had to be “on” all the time. Smiling when I was crumbling. Serving while secretly exhausted. Pouring into others while feeling invisible.
But I’ve learned something powerful:
✅ I don’t have to hide.
✅ I don’t have to pretend.
✅ I am already fully known—and fully loved—by God.
The Weight of Pretense
So many of us feel we must wear masks:
To look strong when we feel weak
To appear joyful when our hearts are breaking
To seem put-together when life is falling apart
We become skilled at performance. But deep inside, we’re crying out:
“Does anyone see me? The real me?”
No More Hiding
Today, I’m saying: No more pretense.
I’m learning that God wants me to come to Him exactly as I am—joyful, tired, uncertain, or broken. He’s the God who sees beyond my silence. He holds my tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). He finds me even when I feel invisible.
Because here’s the truth:
You can’t live authentically until you first find your true self.
And your true self is found in the One who created you.
Found, Valued, and Worthy
There’s a reason the Bible is full of “lost and found” stories:
A woman sweeps her house for a lost coin.
A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one.
A father runs to embrace his prodigal child.
Each story declares:
You are valuable enough for God to come searching for you.
He doesn’t wait for you to be perfect. He comes into your mess. He rescues you because you matter.
A Story of Perspective
Years ago, I listened to a child pray:
“Lord, thank You for the table over my roof.”
At first, people chuckled at his words. But I thought about those who’d just survived Hurricane Katrina—families whose only shelter truly was a table flipped over to shield them from wind and rain.
Or the senior who prayed not only for people who had food—but for those who longed simply for an appetite to eat.
These prayers reminded me that gratitude often grows in unexpected places—and that God sees every hidden pain.
Living Authentically
Here’s what I know today:
I’m older…so are you. Grey hair? Check. A few extra pounds? Check.
But I’m worthy.
You’re worthy, too.
God’s love covers it all.
Want to dance—or learn how? Do it.
Want to travel, near or far? Do it.
Want to change your hair color, your wardrobe, your career? Do it—if God leads you.
Be authentically you. The one God fearfully and wonderfully made.
Grey hair…check. A bit of flab…whatever you see…know that you are beautiful and worthy in God’s eyes. No matter what someone else may say or think…Know that you are God’s child, draped in His unique and special clothing. You are perfectly who He designed you to be.
Want to dance or even learn how…speak a different language…travel, near or far? It’s all in the palm of your hand because you are in His.
Getting Older? Me Too! Hallelujah! Whatever ailments—mind, body, or spirit—let’s push through it together.
“Don’t give up on your dreams, on your life…on YOU! You ARE Worthy, and your best years are waiting for you. Just ask Sarah and Abraham.”
The One Who Knows Me
There’s a man who told me everything about myself—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and He still loved me.
His name is Jesus.
He knows:
When I’m tired or joyful
When I’m confident or afraid
When I’m strong or struggling
And He whispers:
“You are worthy. Especially for Me.”
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for finding me in every season. Help me live authentically, without pretense. Remind me that I am fully known, fully seen, and fully loved. Teach me to embrace who You’ve created me to be—and to rejoice in my worth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
Where am I still hiding behind a mask?
What would it look like to live authentically today?
How has God shown me I’m valued—even in my messy places?
Affirmation:
I once was lost, but now I’m found.
I am free to live authentically, as the person God created me to be.
I am worthy.
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