Laurie Hopkins

May 22 2020

Authentic Voice, Authentic Story – Why They Need to Know Who You Are And Whose You Are

Authentic Voice, Authentic Story - Why They Need to Know Who You Are And Whose You Are

Hi there my dear friend – so happy you have taken the time to drop by for a chat. Grab a seat at the table, your favourite mug with something hot in it and let’s visit. Time moves forward, slowly some days and quickly other days, and 2020 still feels unusual and most often surreal. It wasn’t really, what any of us had in mind in January when I was writing about a season of completion and trusting the process. Yet, time marches on and we find ourselves almost in the middle of this year. Before we do a mid-year review and take stock of the first half, I wanted to share one mindset shift with you. This week I would like to talk with you about Authentic Voice, Authentic Story- Why They Need To Know Who You Are And Whose You Are.

What The World Needs Now

Let’s get right to the point. If I asked you what the world needs now more than ever, what would your answer look like? I can think of many different words I might use to describe what I think the world needs, right now, in 2020, but when I try to sum it all up, I come up with two words: honesty and hope.

Why Does It Matter?

More than anything, in this season, I am amazed at the assault against the truth (honesty) and the push back against hope. We have talked a lot about mindsets since the beginning of the year and there is a good reason for that. Our mindset sets the foundation for our reactions and our behaviour. In this season, the enemy has been working on amping up the undermining of honesty and hope, in a way that I have never experienced before. We can see it but do we really understand why it matters?

Honesty

Many have bought the lie that we are more honest than ever, because they have mistakenly defined “being honest” as having and exercising the right to speak what is on their mind. In reality, honesty is not about speaking freely, it is about speaking truthfully. Honesty has a heavy responsibility attached to it called truthfulness. Moreover, truth is not arbitrary. Therefore, it does not change from person to person. Therefore, honesty (truth) is not just about speaking your mind! So all those people freely “speaking their mind” believe there is more freedom to be “more honest” than ever! And the lie of the enemy becomes entrenched.

Hope

What about hope? The world appears to be in a dire situation; physically, emotionally, financially, relationally, spiritually. Many are out of work, unable to meet their basic needs, isolated at home and without their usual social supports. Meanwhile conspiracy and “what if’s” abound. The Church (corporate) has as many opinions about what is happening, as does the world. Where is the hope in all of that?

What We Have To Offer

This is the part I believe we need to be reminded of as individual Christians. We are the Church (individually). We have not only the ability but also the responsibility to shift our mindsets to ensure that our reactions and behaviour line up with the Word of God. We do not have to be swayed by the lies of the enemy because we have already been forewarned that the enemy comes to “steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). We understand from the Word of God that honesty involves truth and that Jesus is the truth. We know that any time we are speaking “honestly” that we have a responsibility that it lines up with the Word of God. We also know that Jesus came so we could have “life, and … have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). That is hope. So what do we have to offer to the world in this season, in the middle of 2020? We have the honest and hopeful representation of Jesus. I believe there are two very important ways for us to show forth this honest and hopeful representation of Jesus, our Authentic Voice and our Authentic Story.

Authentic Voice

So what does Authentic Voice look like in our everyday lives? It is simply the fact that our Church- me looks/speaks the same as our work- me, as our home- me, as our community- me. Who we are on Sunday is the same as who we are on Wednesday. Who we are in good times is who we are in challenging times. Everything lines up. People who meet me in location A will recognize me as the same person they meet in location B. When they meet me in one situation, they will recognize me as the same person that they met in the other situation. Authentic Voice means living honestly (in truth) and consistently, who we are now while aiming for continuous growth. It is not about being perfect, but being honest about where we find ourselves in this season on our life while aiming for where the Lord has for us to go. If I am struggling, I need to be honest about it. If I have a concern, honesty is the best policy. No masks, no hidden agendas. I am what you see until I grow into something else. That is me walking in my Authentic Voice.

Authentic Story

Authentic Story is more about where we have been. Sometimes, as Christians, when God takes us from one place to another, we conveniently forget where we came from. We were so very grateful at the time for His grace, love, redemption and intervention, but over time, we have forgotten what that mess or test looked like in our own lives. The great risk in forgetting is that we can become judgemental or uncompassionate towards those who find themselves in similar situations. We look down our noses, give them the sideways glance and wonder, how did they even get there and why are they staying there? God’s gift of Jesus, Who brought us through that mess and/or test, was intentional. It was meant for a purpose. It was not just about you. It was about that person that you are looking sideways at. Your mess must become your message and your test your testimony. How will we draw others to Jesus if we portray judgement and perfection and forget where we have come from? How will they see the love, mercy, grace and redemptive power of our Saviour, if we do not tell them about how we have experienced Him? An experience will outweigh and opinion any day. It is time to share your Authentic Story.

Are You Ready To Shift?

It is Shift Season. We are being reset for a reason. The Church (individuals) need to rise up as the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit that they are and live in such a way that we bring honesty and truth to the people. Our Authentic Voice and our Authentic Story is the only way that others will see that we have something different and want what we have. Are you ready to shift?

What I Know!

Life can be challenging, seasons can be uncertain, the shift takes intentionality and courage and mindsets take time to mend. However, if our purpose is to bring the love and saving power of Jesus to others, then we need to decide that today is the day I will make a decision. A decision to let everyone around me see my Authentic Voice and my Authentic Story so they are clear about who I am and Whose I am. It is time to turn the world upside down!

Until Next Time

Well, my dear friend, my teacup is empty, it is a beautiful sunny day out, and I need to go and enjoy some of that warmth. I am so glad you dropped by for a chat at the table. I love your company. Remember, conversations are a two-way road, so I would love to hear from you. Drop a comment in the comment section below! Until next time, stay safe, be well, take courage, and make the decision to walk in the pathway the Lord has for you – Authenticity is your next step!

Your Turn To Comment

As always, there are many ways to stay in touch. I would love to hear from you! Let me know how our chats around the kitchen table are going and drop a note about what things you would like to chat about.

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

May 4 2020

There Doesn’t Have To Be A New Normal

There Doesn't Have To Be A New Normal

Hello, my dear friend. How are you doing? Really doing? Not the “I am ok when I’m really not”, but the “I am ok, but this week has been tough in this way” doing. We are living in times we have never before experienced, so I thought this week we could talk about why There Doesn’t Have To Be A New Normal. You know the process, grab your favourite drink in your best mug and sit with me for a few minutes. I love your company!

What Is Normal Anyway?

As countries, provinces and cities start to relax social distancing measures, we are hearing people talk more and more about “returning to normal”. I am sure it is meant as a reassuring phrase, but for some reason, when I hear that phrase, it makes me a bit unsettled. I find myself asking, “What is normal, anyway?”

Merriam Webster Online Dictionary defines normal as conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normal). When I visualize “normal”, I see boxes lined up in straight lines and predictable patterns. Not necessarily a bad thing, or then again, is it?

When Our Normal Is Interrupted

Normal is generally comfortable, even in our discomfort, because it is familiar to us. It may not be working for us in every facet, but at least we know we know what to expect and when to expect it. We generally do not see anything wrong with our normal, until that normal is interrupted. Then we begin to see the cracks and imperfections in the normal that we had created and were living. We are in a season when our normal has been interrupted and I would be bold enough to state that in the last few months the cracks and imperfections in what we were living as normal, have begun to show.

Opportunities to Shift

So what happens when we realize our normal may not have been as unflawed as we thought? Out of this realization comes a perfect opportunity to shift. Anytime there is change, there is an opportunity to take it a step further and make a shift. We can let change happen to us or we can lean in, participate, be intentional and begin the process of shifting – greater change! I believe that we are in a season where the opportunities for shifting are greater than anything most of us have experienced to date.

Living Outside the Box

Think for a moment about the last few months. How have things changed in your life? The way you do things? How you understand things? The actual things that you are doing? What is different in this season? Make a list. I promise you, you will be amazed at how much change you are going through right now. Now, how many of these changes are things that you said you would never do? Perhaps things that had not even entered your mind? Or even things you hoped to do, but never got around to? Right now, whether you intended to or not, you are living outside the box of normal. How does it feel? A bit uncomfortable? However, some parts of it are exciting as well? If you could pick and choose through this experience, what parts would you keep and what parts would you discard? How much would it look like your old normal?

Greater Than A New Normal

Many people are talking about a new normal. When I visualize a “new normal”, I still see boxes lined up in straight lines and predictable patterns. The boxes may be different colours or arranged a bit differently but they are still predictable. What if there was something greater than a new normal?

Transforming Times

If we could get our minds around the fact that there is more to life than finding the place where we are comfortable, and then parking there. When we learn to live and function in our discomfort, we will find the place where there is no new normal, but rather a place of transformation. A place where we can react to change by shifting continuously, picking and choosing what parts to keep and what parts to discard, without waiting to be forced into this disrupted state by outside forces. What if this is a transforming time? What if this is the season in which we will learn to stop striving for normal. A reset season in which we begin to understand that there is more than normal; there is a way of life built around shifting despite the discomfort, lending itself to growth. When I visualize growth, I see a variety of colourful shapes, constantly moving in and out of beautiful patterns. Sounds more fun than normal!

What I Know

These are unusual times. They have not been easy for many of us, but that does not mean we have to settle for normal or even a new normal. As many are moving back to their previous normal or working to create a new normal, we have the opportunity to choose to shift. We can sit and reflect on what this experience has been like for us. What have we learned? List those things that are working. Make note of those things that have not worked. Now, what do we need to do to sustain what is working and change what is not? It does not matter that others’ are striving for normal or new normal or what that looks like for them. Despite the discomfort of this season, you can choose to shift and grow. Transformation is the greater normal!

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, that is all the time we have for today. So happy to have had time to sit and chat around the kitchen table. Stay safe and take the time to do some reflecting before moving on to a new normal. Do not miss this opportunity.

Your Turn To Comment

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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April 20 2020

Let’s Get Real – When We’ve Talked Enough

Let's Get Real - When We Have Talked Enough

Hello my friend – how have you been in the last 2 weeks? It seems like a long time since we chatted. How are things going in your world? These are unusual times we find ourselves in for sure. I spent a lot of time this week thinking about what we should chat about at the kitchen table this time and all I came up with was “Let’s Get Real – When We’ve Talked Enough” subtitled: “I’ve Got Nothing –When Blogs Get Real.” So let’s start there. You know the process, grab a cup of something in your favourite mug and pull up a seat at the table. It is time to talk about why we need to stop talking.

When Opinions Are Just That - Opinions

As I am sure you have heard many times already in the last few weeks, we find ourselves in unusual times. Unusual times call for unusual measures. In the last few weeks, I have read way too many commentaries on the current state of affairs, listened to too much mainstream media, spent way too much time on Social Media and have heard too many opinions. Many of which start or end with “what if?” In trying to determine the most important thing I’ve learned or have come to understand through all of this “gaining of information”, I have to confess that I have not gained great wisdom or sound knowledge about why this is all happening or when it will all end. If I could wrap up the most important thing I have come to realize in all of that, in these last few weeks, is that opinions are just that, opinions. Everyone has them and essentially, they all rely heavily on our innate biases.

Be Still And Know That I Am God

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In the last few weeks, I have also spent much more time in the Word, in prayer, dancing and sitting with God. I talked less and I heard a lot more. I got quiet and was amazed at how clear and consistent the sound was that came through. Not once did I hear “what if?” Instead of opinion, I heard truth. I read and heard the same consistent Words that I have been reading and hearing all of my Christian life. None of what I read or heard started or ended with “what if?” None of which changed from one day to the next. What I learned through this time was that I am no longer interested in opinions when I can have truth. That truth comes when I choose to be still and sit in God’s presence. That means choosing to turn off many of the other noises that often are a huge distraction.

Intentional Does Not Always Mean Busy

We have been talking a lot lately about being intentional, about leaning into and participating in change, to shift in this season. However, we need to be reminded that being intentional does not always mean you need to be busy. You also have to be intentional in taking the time to reflect, rest and rejuvenate.

Sometimes Words Are Not Enough

Sometimes we need to stop talking, stop sharing opinions, stop listening to every unsolicited voice out there and stop seeking the opinions of others. There are times and seasons when words are not enough; when words become a noise and a distraction. In that time and season, we need to choose to seek to listen for the truth. Not the opinion that comes clothed as truth, and changes from day to day, but the truth that never changes, and comes directly from the source. We have entered a time and season of listening. Sometimes words are just not enough.

Tune In/Tune Out

This time around at the kitchen table, I have a challenge for us all. Let us choose in the next few weeks to tune out of social and conventional media and tune into God. We can decide to be as intentional in reflecting, resting and rejuvenating as we are with our plans “to do.” One does not need to exclude the other. Let’s sit and allow the Lord to speak into our lives. Then, we can get up and move in the vein that we are being directed to. But not until we have listened.

Check-In

Now, at this kitchen table, let us take a few minutes to check-in with one another. How are you doing? Really doing? Not the “oh I’m fine” and move on but the “well, since you asked…..” At this table, we are concerned about one another. This is not a place meant for Laurie to talk and leave – this is a community, where Laurie talks to generate discussion and those at the table chime in and in the end, we care for one another more deeply. What are you learning at this hour? I would love to hear from you!

What I Know

At the end of the day, I may not know everything, but I do know we are going to be all right. I do not know how long this will go on or what things will look like. I do know that things will never look quite the same as they did before. However, in the end, I believe with all my heart, that each and every one of has the opportunity to come out of this with a new perspective on our lives and the lives around us.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, it is always nice to sit with you and chat. I hope you will take a few minutes to comment below in the comment section and let me know how you are really doing. Also, let me know what you would like to talk about at the table! My cup is empty and it is time for me to go. Take the time to share this blog with your friends and invite them to join us at the table. There is always room for new friends.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 4 Comments