Ragamuffins

I have been tagged by my friend, Kim! Here were the instructions:

1) Grab the book closest to you.
2) Open to page 123, go down to the 4th sentence.
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog.
4) Name the author and book title.
5) Tag 3 people to do the same.

I grabbed The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning sitting on the corner of my desk from the Fall Reading Challenge.

We don't like the sight of ourselves as we really are, so we try cosmetics, makeup, the right light, and the proper accessories to develop an acceptable image of ourselves. We rely on the stylish disguise that has made us look good or at least look away from our true self. Self -deception mortgages our sinfulness and prevents us from seeing ourselves as we really are-ragamuffins.

Whoa! Not easy words to hear, especially for us ladies. Why do we have such a hard time embracing who God made us to be? Why do we seek to present ourselves in the way we believe is the "right" way? I can be so guilty of wanting to hide aspects about myself that I perceive to be "broken" or "not desirable." Through this, I do not acknowledge that He is strong through my weakness--that He is exalted through any accomplishment or success I might attain. By not calling myself a ragamuffin-a sinner in need of a Savior, I cheapen the grace He extends me.
I do desire and will continue to strive to be authentic--I believe that this "realness" brings growth.

Kim at Lifesong mentioned how we can often do this in the blogworld and she is mulling some thoughts on a post on this topic. I am anxious to read her reflections!

I am now tagging Chris, Lisa, and Paula.