A prime example of this was in the news this week, that a leader for the NAACP wasn't really Black. My first response was that this was a mark of a leader being not genuine and dishonest with the very organization she was working for. Yet, with better observation and discussion, I discovered that being Black has never been a criteria for leadership in the NAACP, and furthermore it is not required to disclose your race or ethnic group. Individuals are free to identify themselves as they choose. I get that. Plus, I recognize in this world in which media acts like piranha on any possible indiscretion from leaders (and especially strong women leaders), the complete story is still unknown. It truly isn't my business or the world's business for that matter to know.
Yet for me, it brought up this issue of duplicity. Duplicity is presenting yourself in a fraudulent manner. It is trying to be someone you really aren't, usually to deceive others or perhaps just trying to fit in. Growing up as a preacher's kid, I was always made aware of how I was to be seen by others. I had to be a reflection of the preacher. So in my later years, I have tried to be more open and vulnerable with myself, and in turn stop the duplicity. I make an effort to be who I am, a 58 year old woman, with wrinkles and lines around my eyes, and a thicker waist than I would like, and one who didn't always choose the "straight and narrow way." I strive to say this is who I am, because I don't want to get caught up in conversation later that I was not who I really said I was. I may not always achieve this, but I am daily trying to peel away my defenses and self-judgments.
There was such a woman, many years ago, that Jesus met on a super hot Mideastern day. She came to draw water alone by herself. She portrayed her Samaritan heritage and was taken by surprise that this man would even talk with her, yet ask for her assistance in getting a drink of water. Jesus didn't let that stand in the way, she didn't have to change or be someone she was not. She didn't even have to disclose who she really was. He met her where she was at in her world, in her daily routine, and with all her "baggage" of failed relationships and dreams. . .
Perhaps that is how to get out of duplicity, it is accepting the reality of those around us. I can't define for them their identity, any more than being labeled as a preacher's daughter ended up my reality. There is something inherently human that wants us to put people into boxes and categories, and it is always the one that doesn't fit that causes us concern. The "different" has always stood in the way. The Samaritan woman was different, had a different view of God, and of where and how to worship Him. But Jesus came into her world and told her of God's view of such. This was a radical way, a new way no longer confined to a place or a tradition, but rather given to open heart of faith, believing in Jesus Himself, and worshiping Him in spirit and truth. In other words, it was to drink in the Water of Life. . .
I think I understand that can even mean that I am worshiping God as I graciously accept myself for who I am, as well as others. Then lovingly extending that grace to those that I may look upon as different, is how I am to live my days. I can become that pitcher that can pour out His living water to those around me and quench the dryness of duplicity life. . .
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