We take off our masks so others will take off theirs. When this happens, we open the door to the giving and receiving of grace and truth. Getting found Robert Fulghum writes of a man who discovered he had terminal cancer. He was a doctor and knew about dying. Some people said how brave he was to bear his suffering in silence, but his family and friends were angry that he didn't feel he needed them, that he didn't trust their strength.
Authenticity keeps pastors from hiding too well.
Authenticity cannot be contrived or it ceases to be authenticity. But we can strive to be more honest about who we are, and in so doing give permission to others to do the same. James Emery White is pastor of Mecklenberg Community Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you have trouble believing a certain piece of Scripture, tell them. Authenticity is a great virtue.