“True colors shining through”

The bright greens of summer fade, revealing the hidden beauty of the leaves—an incredible sight!

Their true colors emerge, showing the amazing pigments that have always been there, only hidden by the green of chlorophyll.

As the leaves turn vibrant in color and begin to fall gently, a beautiful transformation occurs, marking the transition into winter.

Isn’t it interesting to realize that these vibrant fall colors are not new, but rather the actual shades of the leaves, just waiting to be revealed? 

Like the leaves, we all have deeper colors inside that deserve to shine.

In English, color is defined by how objects affect our eyes, depending on how they reflect or emit light. The Hebrew word for “color,” ayin, means “eye” or “appearance,” reminding us that our perception of the world shapes how we see it. This word appears many times, symbolizing both natural beauty and deeper meanings.

I see the true colors shining in many people’s eyes—some bright, others muted by life’s struggles or guilt.

I genuinely believe that to enjoy life truly, we need to take the time to reflect and connect with our authentic selves—not just our job titles or social roles, but the core of who we are. On my journey of connecting with others, I’ve realized that many people don’t honestly know themselves; they define themselves only by what they do.

Many seem to have lost the joy of embracing the identity that God has given them.

As a mother of three, I can say each of my children is uniquely wonderful, bringing their own beauty to the world. Seeing their passion for life fills me with joy.

We all face teachable moments, and how we respond to them shapes our character—either positively or negatively.

When I meet someone still stuck in the past, I see a life holding back its full potential, trapped in regret and stuck between two choices.

Let your true colors shine. Be authentic!

Being honest with yourself is one of the most important things I’ve learned. To honestly know yourself, you must recognize your strengths, gifts, and best qualities. However, it’s also vital to identify your vulnerable spots—areas where we struggle to surrender to God fully.

Some might think, “That sounds silly; I’ve known myself forever.” However, I believe many people go through daily life without taking the time to reflect on their inner selves. Ignoring this can make us vulnerable to the enemy’s influence.

Even when we’re walking in God’s will, He sometimes allows us to face trials because, without challenges, our spiritual and personal growth can stall. Relying only on ourselves can be our biggest weakness.

Speaking from experience, I know that emotional trials strengthen and build our resilience.

When past failures become future strengths, we can honestly look in the mirror and see ourselves—not just as survivors, but as people of honesty and integrity. This authenticity brings peace to our souls and helps us move beyond regret.

When your true colors shine, new opportunities open because God is the author and perfecter of our faith. Kindness becomes automatic.

Others will see the authentic you.

There’s nothing hidden—no dusty remnants of shame from the past. Just scars that once caused pain, now transformed by God into a new identity—leaving behind labels like “the alcoholic,” “who has an addiction,” or “the depressed.” You fill in the blank. Remember, Jesus bore scars from His sacrifice, reminding us that we, too, will face pain and difficulties.

Through it all, we rise above and let our true colors shine. We become better, not bitter, serving as examples for those still burdened. Through Christ, we hold the keys to freedom and help others see the beautiful selves God intended for them.

Just as the leaves reveal their true selves, we can do the same through Jesus Christ our Savior.