embrace authenticity

Todays focus: EMBRACE AUTHENTICITY

Now, no judging, but I have to look up the word 'authenticity' in the dictionary to understand a little bit  more. In there it says that authenticity is something that is genuine, something that is not a copy or fake. 

There are not many things in life that are truly authentic, things throughout time have progressed and developed to the state that they are now. Take technology for example, back in the day people had to write letters to each other that were delivered on foot which could take months just to say hello. Whereas now we have the happenings of other people's lives in our faces all the time with email, cell phones, and social media. 

But I think this focus was perfect for a Sunday, because what is more authentic than our Savior, Jesus Christ? In a world where authenticity is hard to find, I know that he can be our rock and our foundation. 

Just the other day, my roommates were talking a woman who had attempted to restore an old painting of Jesus Christ. I don't know what she was thinking when she did it, but it went horribly wrong and turned into, what is now called, the monkey Jesus. 

Now, people all over the world are making fun and making light of this painting. But, to me, it's just sad. Why must we feel like everything needs to be made new and improved. Though the original painting was damaged and worn, it was absolutely beautiful. 

I think that's what is meant by embracing authenticity. It's being appreciative of the wonderful things people before us have left behind, it is recognizing the genuine efforts of the people around us, and it's stopping for just a minute, without the hustle and bustle of today's world, and being thankful for all the beauty around us.