Are You Really Genuine?

You know what I really like?  Well, first off, it's rare. It makes you take a fresh breath. It let's you put down your guard.  All of a sudden you can be yourself, talk openly without having to choose words, and then it's a whole new conversation.  It's when someone you meet, is without question, completely genuine.

I'm not sure how you get there, or really, how we ever get away from it.  Maybe in the past you opened up a bit, and took the conversation too far.  Maybe someone turned around what you said or what you did, or what your intentions were.  Maybe you opened your heart and then a bit down the road you got hurt. So we learn over time not to be so open, or honest, or forthcoming, or genuine.

Being absolutely genuine takes guts.  You have to either have gotten beaten up so bad you just simply figure there is nothing else to loose.  Or you are at a point in your life, that the other way of playing games, struggling to appease others, letting others manipulate or control you, is just plain tiring.

Or you got up this morning and said, this is finally enough.

Now, all of a sudden you are on a plan that is not just going to change your world, it's going to change everyone you meet.  Not significantly everyone, but it makes an impact.  Lately I have met someone who has done all that.  Got beat up, used, defeated and coerced into believing they were less than others.  The difference came when this person had enough.  I don't want to say much about this person, so I'll call her Mary, but trust me, Mary will change the way you look at things...

Maybe the way you look at life.

Today, the world is changing for Mary.  A new outlook is creating open doors.  People are helping in any way because there are no games.  No apologies, no "whoa is me", just genuine stuff to make your heart bleed.  Not because of pity or sympathy, or any of that.  It's because of absolute awe.

What I see in Mary, I wish for myself.  I want everyone to believe in God like she believes in God.  The hidden power of her fascinating story of past history, issues no one would wish for, yet somehow all of it comes together, and now a new beginning.  It just makes you think why are you complaining, mopping around, whining or not getting done what needs to be done?

So, today I am sitting at a coffee shop, sipping my coffee, alone.  Writing about someone else who has been through more in life than I may ever see, yet with an outlook to get where she wants to be, against odds that seem unbearable.  A genuine outlook, that nobody will do it for her.  She will finally do it for herself.

When I get up from this little shop, put my coffee away, crank up my little Smart convertible on a beautiful warm sunny day, I'm making a promise to myself.  I am going to remember the first time I met Mary and then every conversation I have had since.  What Mary has, I want.  I'm promising myself to get up, start my day, not with the difficulty ahead, not with the tasks I need to do.  I have a lot going on and in stead of looking at what a burden it is, I'm going to look at it as what a blessing my life is.

Although Mary has had burdens behind her, and many ahead, you don't see any of that when you can sit over coffee, and hear her speak.  Speak of her family, God, and speak of life.  I am blessed in my life and the opportunities I have.  For many, few of the rewards they may have in life match the awesome effect of sitting in front of someone that their genuine approach is so incredibly clear, and distinct, you're mesmerized with their company, and their conversation.

Mary, thank you for shedding a new light, in a new, refreshing way. My only wish is so many others might find a way to receive those same blessings from being so open, honest and refreshingly, genuine...