"Just as I am", is the old spiritual song written to remind us that we are acceptable to God - just as we are, as our authentic selves.

In this episode, RJ talks about how his stepfather experienced the hypocrisy of this hymn in his early church experience. However, he also talks about how his stepfather overcame being rejected by the church by cultivating his commitment to being true to himself.  His stepfather taught him that one must cultivate his own values; his own sense of right and wrong; and live a life of respect, kindness, and never compromising who you are, just to be accepted by others.  This is how one cultivates authenticity.