Reclaiming Authenticity
A Psycho-Spiritual Process of Transformation and Transcendence
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The call to live a more authentic life is becoming increasingly poignant these days. It seems that everywhere we turn; genuineness and authenticity are rare characteristics among people who are searching for palpable substance in relationships. Nowadays, society is rapidly conditioning generations to question the motives and desires of others like never before. Still, genuineness and authenticity in relationships are tangible, but does require a life-long commitment to self-discovery and honesty about who we are with warts, gifts, phobias, strengths, graces, and all. Unfortunately, this commitment is a price many consider too high to pay and not worth their time. Would it not be easier to be satisfied with the status quo, go with the flow and not question? Of course, that might be the frequently traveled road, but let us not deceive ourselves: The inner desire for genuineness and authenticity in relationship with ourselves, others and God is not going away. Moreover, that internal longing to be more authentic and true to ourselves will only get stronger.
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About the Book
The more we recognize the presence of God in our lives, the more we experience an empathetic resonance; namely, our soul coming into resonance with the soul of God. What we discover in being more fully connected to the soul of God is that we are connected to things that bring us great joy, as well as connected to things that are disturbing and cause us great suffering. Still, we embrace all to be an extension of God’s presence—grace and healing for people who are looking and listening for God’s presence.
About the Author
James A. Houck Jr., PhD, is an associate professor and director of the PhD in Pastoral Counseling Program at Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania. He is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and an ordained elder in the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is also the author of The Apostle Peter: His Words Should Be Red Too! and Redeeming the Bereaved: A Spiritual Model For Healing Our Woundedness. Dr. Houck’s research interests include integrating religion and spirituality into mental health issues, loss and grief, near-death experiences, and Native American traditions. He can be reached at: HouckJ@Neumann.edu.