The following post was pulled from Harris’ previous blog. While the post may not be current, it was re-posted here based on the high amount of feedback and comments received.
Most people don’t realize it, but my life tends to mirror my vocation. I live an illusion.
A couple of months ago, I was meeting with a friend/marketing consultant regarding blogs/social networking sites/web 2.0 stuff. I was explaining my struggle with the new form of “content-driven” marketing rooted in transparency, because in the past, my view of marketing has always been that it’s a “battle of perceptions.”
The goal has always been to create the perception of what I want to be – busy, in-demand, professional, respected, etc. So, all of my marketing and advertising contributes to the perception that I am those things, so that I can become those things. After all, don’t people want to hire people who are in-demand already?
The problem is, that mentality penetrated my personal life. (Should they ever be separated?) I’ve spent my entire life managing relationships and creating illusions. I’ve done everything in my power to create perceptions in other people’s minds of how I want them to view me.
I wanted people to think I’m successful, so I bought a big house I shouldn’t have. Then I wanted people to think I was humble, so I sold that one and bought a small one. Then I went on to tell people the story of how I bought a big house, then sold it to move into a smaller one. “Look how humble I am…”
The bottom line is that it’s all I’ve ever done. The result has been shallow relationships, and a life filled with a lack of genuine character. I know, it was stupid. And the plan totally back fired.
I’ve spent my entire life managing relationships and creating illusions. I’ve done everything in my power to create perceptions in other people’s minds of how I want them to view me.
A few weeks ago, my pastor had a panel discussion on suffering. Someone didn’t show up, so just before the service he told me I was going to be on the panel. I said, “No thanks.” He said, “You don’t have a choice.”
My first thought was, “Crap. If I knew I was going to be on stage, I would’ve worn cooler clothes.” Obviously, it’s still a constant struggle for me, and will be for a long time. But I’m slowly learning because I can taste freedom. I’ve been tasting it for 6 months now, and I’ve never experienced quite like I have in the past couple of days. (More later…)
We must create safe places, especially in the church, where people from all walks of life can be authentic and transparent. And it has to start at leadership, because authenticity breeds authenticity.
Only through our authentic admittance of pain and suffering, can true healing begin to occur. It will change the face the christianity, and therefore the face of Jesus.
Tags: authenticity, Christian Illusionist, Harris, Illusion, transparency
