Do you have integrity?

Are you true to yourself?

That's a hard question because as humans, it's natural for us to want to fit in. In order to fit in, we may have to deny some aspect of ourselves, our likes, our personality, or our beliefs, that for whatever reason, may be considered stupid or offensive to the people who we are trying to fit in with.  Especially if they are different in whatever way.  The pressure to conform is especially intense when those around us markedly differ in ideology, lifestyle, or values.

In other words, we tend to become who or what we spend our time with. We become one of the guys when we are with the guys. We become a holy roller when we are in church. We become something entirely different when we are at work. Sometimes, it may even require us to go against our beliefs because we are afraid of what the others in that group may think if we come out as who we truly are.

Integrity means staying true to yourself, no matter what kind of situation you are in. It requires me to acknowledge my identity as a Catholic in all situations and be mindful of how I present myself to others. It doesn't mean I have to preach or defend my faith to people who are babbling on and on about nonsense just to keep the attention on them, just that I can't deny it just to impress some idiot who thinks they know the way. I have to stay on my own path. I have to stay on the path that God put me on.  Occasionally I will stray, but if I stay true to myself, it will be easier to get back on.

Honestly who gives a hoot what others think? That's all vanity. It's not going to matter when the bills come due. If they can't accept you for who you really are, then simply move on. If you live an authentic life with God and love as the guiding light, others will be drawn to that.  

Life will go on regardless.