Finding Authenticity

Written by Beau Hoffman

Tell me somethin', girl, Are you happy in this modern world? Or do you need more? Is there somethin' else you're searchin' for?

Tell me something, boy, Aren't you tired tryin' to fill that void? Or do you need more? Ain't it hard keepin' it so hardcore?

—Shallow by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga

This song is one of my favorites right now. It speaks of our struggles with consumerism, depression, pretense and hopelessness, as does the movie A Star is Born. After reflecting on the movie, and particularly this song, I’ve become more and more aware of how easy it is to masquerade instead of being present and honest about my emotions, thoughts and feelings. My prayer is to be authentic and aware. To be me—raw and unashamed in all situations. 

Along with that, I want to spend the time being conscious of those I’m with, and put in the work to get to know their true self. I want to appreciate people, and reveal my true feelings instead of merely retreating behind my phone screen to hide my emotions or to shield me from others’ emotions. No, those emotions are guideposts pointing us toward the Hope for which we’re all searching. My prayer is that I open up and invite others to help steer me towards that Hope and that I become more aware of others’ guideposts and help steer them toward Hope as well. Amen