authenticity – Voice of Hope by Marlene

Speaking Life: The Power of Words in Shaping Your Day

Each word we release into the world either strengthens a bridge of grace or erects a wall of division.

Scripture Reading
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.— Proverbs 18:21

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.— Ephesians 4:29

Reflection
Our words hold extraordinary power. Every sentence we speak is either a bridge that connects hearts or a wall that divides them. Words can lift someone from despair or push them deeper into darkness. They can heal or wound, encourage or discourage, inspire faith or sow doubt.

I’m 70 years old now, and I still remember the moment I felt like the ugliest person on the planet. I was about nine years old when a lady came to visit one day. Upon seeing me, she smiled and said, “You’re so pretty!” Quickly, another woman in the room said, “Don’t tell her that, or else she’ll believe you.” This woman bent down to me and continued, “Honey, if someone ever says you’re pretty, they are just trying to be nice.” My feelings were hurt, and I swiftly left the room and stayed in my bedroom for the rest of the day.

Growing up, I would stay away from people or make sure my head was down so that people couldn’t get a good look at my face. If I had to be in front of people, I would wear bangs so they wouldn’t be able to see my whole face. My inner critic constantly told me I was not good enough. I had trouble trusting people, and this distrust manifested in deep-seated anxiety over being in public and speaking to people, much more, talking to a crowd.

The words I heard as a child became the foundation for the person I became as an adult: crippled by self-doubt and unable to see my self-worth.

God designed language not merely as a tool for communication but as a vessel for His truth and love. When we speak blessings, we align our hearts with His divine purpose. Life-giving words carry the light of Christ into places where shadows linger. A kind word spoken in love can ignite hope in a weary soul.

Conversely, careless or harsh words can tear down trust and build barriers that separate us from others, as well as from God’s peace within us. That’s why Scripture continually reminds us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Each word we release into the world either strengthens a bridge of grace or erects a wall of division.

Let us choose to be bridge builders, people who speak with gentleness, encouragement, and truth. Our voices can become instruments of healing that reflect God’s mercy and draw others closer to His heart.

Application
I am grateful to have learned about the benefits of affirmations. Affirmations are powerful and positive statements that we can use to speak to ourselves.

When repeated, they work well, especially when repeated often. They can replace negative feelings with a sense of peace.

Use affirmations to build up your strength and gain the peace you deserve. Speak one uplifting word or sentence over yourself today.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Help me to use my words wisely and with love. Guard my tongue so that what I speak builds bridges, not walls. Let my words bring comfort, encouragement, and truth to those who hear them. Fill my heart with Your Spirit so that every conversation reflects Your grace. May my speech be seasoned with kindness, drawing others toward Your light and peace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Courage to Be Yourself When the World Pressures You to Conform

Living with integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. When we refuse to conform to the world and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.

Scripture Reading

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Standing Firm in Integrity

In business and in life, it’s easy to feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing. Sometimes that pressure comes in the form of a subtle nudge: “Just bend the truth a little.” Other times, it’s more direct: “If you don’t cut corners, you’ll fall behind.”

I am a real estate broker, and I remember a time early in my career when I faced a moment when I was urged to smooth over the facts in order to make a transaction move forward more quickly. On the surface, it seemed harmless. No one would get hurt, and no one might even notice. But in my spirit, I felt the weight of that decision. Would I conform to the pattern of the world, or would I stand firm in truth?

I chose integrity. The deal didn’t move as fast as others hoped, but God gave me something much more valuable: peace in my heart and the confidence of knowing I had honored Him. Later, I realized He also strengthened my reputation. Clients knew they could trust me because I was unwilling to compromise, even if it meant moving things along more quickly. Cutting out steps in the process would have meant closing the transaction sooner; however, these missed steps had the potential to be an issue in later years.

That’s the beauty of living God’s way. Integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. Romans 12:2 reminds us that when we refuse to conform and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.

Reflection Question

Think of a time when you were tempted to compromise your integrity. How did you respond? Looking back, what do you think God wanted to teach you in that moment?

Practical Application

Today, commit to one action that reflects integrity in your work or personal life. It may be as simple as telling the truth in a difficult situation, keeping your word even when it’s inconvenient, or refusing to take an easy shortcut. Trust that God will honor your obedience and strengthen your witness.

Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to conform to the ways of this world. Help me to stand firm in truth and integrity, even when it costs me something. Renew my mind so that my choices reflect Your will, and let my life be a testimony of honesty that points others to You. Amen.

What It Means to Live Authentically Through God’s Eyes

Living authentically is about walking in truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us.

From the time I can remember, I have felt a deep calling to teach, to encourage, and to help others discover who they truly are in Christ. Recently, that calling took on a new dimension when I completed an intensive program to become a Certified Authenticity Life Coach.

On my very first day of certification, I met with a woman who faced a struggle many of us can relate to, choosing between pleasing others and honoring her own God-given path. She has a servant’s heart, always eager to help, but this time she was torn. Someone wanted her to take on a responsibility that didn’t align with her true calling, and she felt pressured. Her heart said no, but her fear of disappointing others said yes.

That moment reminded me of the truth found in Psalm 139:13 (NKJV):
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”

God did not create us by accident. He carefully designed every part of who we are, our bodies, our personalities, our emotions, and even our unique ways of serving others. When we ignore that divine design and allow others to push us away from our true purpose, we step out of alignment with the life God created us to live.

The Holy Spirit whispers to each of us, guiding us toward the purpose that brings glory to God and fulfillment to our souls. Your talents, your passions, and your voice are not random; they are gifts meant to be used authentically.

Jesus said in John 8:32 (NKJV):
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Living authentically is about walking in that truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us. Instead, we anchor ourselves in the promises of God.

When we choose to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” as we are reminded in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

…we find a freedom this world cannot give. We discover peace, joy, and fulfillment, not because life is perfect, but because our hearts are aligned with God’s will.

To live authentically through God’s eyes is to live in truth. It’s to accept that He made us intentionally. We are to love ourselves as His creation, and boldly walk in the path He has prepared.

When we do this, life becomes lighter. Our service becomes more meaningful. And our joy? It overflows.

Reflection

Ask yourself today: Am I living the life God designed for me, or am I letting the expectations of others pull me away from His purpose? Remember, authenticity in Christ is not selfish; it is obedience. When you embrace the person God created you to be, you not only walk in freedom, but you also bless others with the unique gifts only you can give.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating me with intention and love. Help me to hear Your voice above all others and to walk boldly in the path You have prepared for me. Teach me to live authentically, seeking Your Kingdom first, and trusting that everything I need will be added in Your perfect timing. May my life be a reflection of Your truth and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.