Women: Let's Stop Faking It!

I admit it, I like to watch Oprah. And, yes, I am sad the show will be going off the air this year.

Today, Jenny McCarthy was speaking about the new book that she has published. Now, although, I do not endorse any of the material contained in the book, I was very struck by something she pointed out. She was talking about how women are great at faking it. She was referencing behavior in which we pretend to be something we are not in order to get what we want. I was so struck by her comments and asked myself is this true. And, surely, I do find it to be true.

Now, I do not want to say that yes, all of you, who are women reading this, fake who you are and what you like etc. But, I can identify with what she was saying. We often pretend to be interested in things we are actually not and we tend to try and please others by how we look, act, and respond. And if you are reading this thinking, I never do that, I can honestly tell you, you are most likely lying to yourself. It is the nature of the beast. As women, we think we need to be everything to everyone. But, the simple fact is, you need to be who you are; precious and beloved in the sight of God. God didn't create us to pretend. God created women to represent him in relationships with love, compassion, and power.

I often struggle with trying to please people and starve off my own desires in order to make others happy. Usually, this happens with people I do not know too well, because if you are close to me, you are probably laughing, thinking, "Danielle, really, when was the last time we did what I wanted to do?" So, I am glad that over time, this wears off! However, when I first meet people, I become totally submissive and do whatever they tell me to. Finally, I get fed up and tell them how I really feel. This either results in true friendships or not so true friendships in which the person decides my behavior is beyond repair and leaves. Listening to Jenny speak made me realize, pretending is not what God wants for me. He has made me a really cool person. I have a lot of love to offer people especially when I am not pretending.

So, I challenge you, if you are a woman and you find yourself faking it, ask God to help you figure it out. Some of you may have no clue even what you are all about because you have been trying to please other people for so long! I know that one from experience. There is no punishment for admitting that sometimes you are not honest with yourself or with people around you. It's actually a stepping stone for you and God to get to know one another better. I promise you that he can give you much more than any other relationship, thing, or person can affirm in you.

Today, was a day of letting go of being something to everyone, and learning to believe that I am accepted and useful just the way God intended.

Now...maybe I should write a book and go on Oprah...I have 10 months!