My friend Rocco wears a gray Fedora every time he leaves the
house. He likes it, so he wears it.
I want to be like Rocco.
Not wear a gray Fedora. I will pick blue and white plaid.
I want to be like Rocco because he just does his thing. He’s
five years old, so he doesn’t care what people think. He hasn’t noticed looks
that can sting. He hasn’t heard comments that can make him question. He’s
blessed with parents who are teaching him not to care about what
people think, and not to be afraid.
I want to be like Rocco.
Not uncaring in a selfish way. Unmoved by idle opinions.
Steadfast in my purpose. Focused.
Not fearless in a way that makes me oblivious to real
danger. Unable to be intimidated. Audacious in my pursuits. Brave.
I want to be like Rocco.
I want to put on my blue and white plaid Fedora when I write,
so I can be authentic, share joy and pain and fear and blessings…because how
can anyone identify with something less than REAL?
I want to put on my blue and white plaid Fedora when I think
about promoting my blog and seeking speaking opportunities. This has been a
call on my heart for as long as I can remember. How can I do less than honor
God by using the incredible gifts He has so graciously given me?
I want to put on my blue and white plaid Fedora every time I
go out. I want people to know who I am and whose I am. Like Rocco, I don’t want
to be afraid to say what I like and what I don’t like, what I will accept and
what I won’t accept.
I want to share the love of Christ with people the way He
did. With no reservation. With no judgment. Boldy. Some might say foolishly.
I want my life to show that God is first and I am second.
I want to love so well that the people closest to me never
doubt their importance and value. I want to tell them the whole truth about who I am, and I want them to feel safe enough to do the same.
I want to be so filled with joy that people who cross my
path FEEL it.
Think about it...who is served when you are less than authentic? Who is served when you don't speak truth about your life and your faith? Who is served when you don't squeeze every drop out of the gifts you have been given?
I want to be like Rocco. I want to put on my blue and white plaid Fedora, stand beside him in his gray Fedora. I want to resurrect my "shiny" self and live life with the spirit of a five year old again.
I hope you will join me as this journey continues. I would
love to hear where you are in your journey to being real and authentic and true
to yourself and your God.
We will talk again soon. In the meantime, I need to search the
internet for a blue and white plaid Fedora…
BP
Beth Painter is, among many other things, a writer and motivational speaker. You can follow her on Facebook on the “Think Big focus small” page.
Beth is available to speak to your group about how to make your dreams and desires come to life!
