Welcome to my blog. Does the world really need another blog? Well, probably not. But, I believe we are all on a journey... and I think it is a good thing to process and to analyze the world around us. So being a writer... what better way to do this? This is a blog where I will authentically share with you the way I see life -- which may include the good, the bad and the ugly. I am glad you found me. I hope you come back again. Blessings.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

You know the classic story of the Wizard of Oz. In the end, everyone finds out the "wizard" is an just an ordinary man with no magical powers at all. We learn he is exactly like everyone else.

As I think about his character, I realize his claim to fame was he had convinced everyone in the land of Oz he had extraordinary powers and he was a wizard who could solve all their problems. But, in reality, it was all a facade.

Which leads me to the realization of how we are a lot like the "Wizard of Oz." Most of us live behind some kind of facade. We wear masks. We convince people we have it all together. And we may even convince ourselves.

So, why do we live behind the masks? Why do we put up a facade? Why don't we live in a place of authenticity? Why do we try and convince others we are something we are not?

I know there may be several reasons. But I think the most pervasive reason is fear. Fear of judgment. Fear of rejection. Fear of conflict. Fear of condemnation. Fear. It is a powerful element in our lives.

But fear does not come from a relationship with God. Jesus taught us that perfect love casts away all fear. And yet, we live in fear and even at times embrace it.

I guess I am at the point in my life where I don't want to live in fear anymore. I want to live an authentic life. I want to take off the masks and tear down the facade.

I believe God came to give us an abundant life. And I don't think the abundant life has room any room for fear. And I am convinced the abundant life is characterized by authenticity.

What are your thoughts?
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2 comments:

  1. Mrs. EdwardsFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Mrs. EdwardsFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Alicia,
    I drafted a very nice comment in this space, then fat-fingered my attempt to "preview," and lost the whole thing. This time I composed my thoughts over on my own blog, here:
    http://sixedwards.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-friend-alicia-in-her-new-blog-life.html

    I think my original comment for your blog was better, but I can't seem to re-compose it. Perhaps it was Providential! Mostly I just wanted to share some meaningful excerpts from The Valley of Vision prayers.

    I'm glad you're blogging. If we can't manage to share our thoughts with each other over coffee at Starbucks, I can try to be content with reading your blog!

    (Sorry for the deleted comment. I found a typo!)

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