Discovering Our True Selves Through God’s Image Series

Introduction

Video Ill.: Perception vs. Reality — The Skit Guys

Uncovering the Hidden Story of Gary Burghoff, the Beloved Actor Behind Radar

Quotes All About Life

July 4, 2024

https://www.sportskeeda.xyz/?p=6979

Gary Burghoff’s iconic portrayal of Corporal Walter “Radar” O’Reilly in the hit sitcom “MAS*H” left an indelible mark on television history. Despite his character’s endearing nature, Burghoff struggled with the pressures of fame and the constant scrutiny of his physical appearance.

Born with a congenital disability called Brachydactyly (Brack - uh - dack - tuh - lee), Burghoff had three smaller fingers on his left hand, which he often hid from the camera. Throughout his time on “MAS*H,” he carefully positioned himself to conceal his left hand, using his right hand to gesture whenever possible.

Despite his efforts, there were moments when his left hand was visible on screen, often caught in candid moments like salutes, gestures, or even holding his pet guinea pig, Babette. These brief glimpses offered a rare look at Burghoff’s true self, beyond the character that had defined him.

Burghoff’s journey was marked by both triumph and struggle. He faced insecurities about his appearance, but his talent and dedication shone through in his performances. His fellow cast members adored him, and his character remains a beloved fixture in television history. He was my favorite character on the show!

Burghoff’s story serves as a reminder that even in the spotlight, we can hide our true selves. Yet, it’s in those unguarded moments that our authenticity shines through, making us more relatable and human.

Who are we? What is our true identity?

There is often a discrepancy between perception and reality. You see, we get so tied up in trying to determine what our true identity is that often times we create a new identity that just isn’t reality.

In our country today, our identities are in crisis. What do we believe? Who do we support? Are we Republican or Democrat? Male or female? What religion, ethnicity, or race are we? Who are we? In what is our identity found?

This morning, we are starting a three part study looking at where we can find our true identity — our true selves.

My prayer is that by the end, we will know who we are, whose we are, and where we can find our true source of identity.

As we begin this morning, I want to start at the very beginning: Genesis 1.

We read this a few weeks ago in our study, “In the Beginning”. I want, though, for us look at this from a different view today, with a different lens.

In Genesis 1, we read:

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1, NIV1984)

7 [T]he Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2, NIV1984)

We were made in God’s image — in His likeness!

Mankind, male and female, were made different from all other of God’s creation.

When God created everything else, it was “Let there be….” And, there was.

But with mankind, God created. God got His hands into the making of us! We were special. We were different. We were in His image.

So this morning, our identity begins in the fact that we were made in God’s image and likeness. What does that mean?

We have purpose.

Of all of creation, God gave mankind the responsibility of taking care of the rest of creation.

We have a purpose.

Too many, unfortunately, try the wrong things to find purpose in their lives.

Happiness with Regret

Source: Paul Sullivan, “Balancing the Benefit and the Burden of Wealth,” The New York Times (6-8-18)

Copied from Preaching Today

https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2019/may/happiness-with-regret.html

A New York Times article entitled “Can Money Buy Happiness?” notes the wealthy often struggle to balance the benefit and the burden of affluence. That conclusion comes from a new study on affluent Americans aged 25 to 65.

Interestingly, the data cited says that money can buy a certain kind of happiness. But that certain kind of happiness often comes with regrets. This survey indicated that many of these affluent Americans had deep regrets about the toll on their families as they accumulated their wealth.

Reporter Paul Sullivan summarized the study this way: