Chapter 3-Authentically Me

I must confess.
I was worried about leading today's book discussion.  After reading the two that have preceded me, I began to get anxious about not being able to do what they've done.  So, prayerfully and humbly, I opened the book and began to read Chapter 3.  And then, I heard the voice of my Father lovingly whisper, "You don't have to be like the others.  Just be the you that I created!  Bring what only you can bring."

So, here it is.

 

Intelligent Design

Who am I?  What is it that I have to offer this world?  What will I leave behind that will mean something?  We all ask these questions of ourselves.  But, where do we find the answers?  Do we settle for what we think others want from us?  Do we let our fears of failure or ridicule hold us back from setting our sights too high? Do we grab hold of a slight remark and hide it in our hearts as truth?  Or do we break free of what the world limits us to and accept what God believes about us?  (Genesis 1:31)  The Creator made each one of us exactly the way He wanted to-warts and all.  We were created by Him, through Him, and for Him.  (Colossians 1:16) So let's give ourselves the "freedom to build our lives on what really matters, discarding all the things that don't".

Supernatural Selection

Take a minute to think of any one topic.  Now dissect it and examine it under a microscope and you can easily lose yourself in just how perfectly everything must come together for things to even just "be".  It doesn't even need to be "rocket science".  It can be something as simple as how your food gets to the grocery store.  Imagine, if you will, what would happen if no one picked up the garbage in front of your house every week.  What if no one answered the phone when you dialed 9-1-1?  What if there were no cashiers or truck drivers?  We need teachers, police officers, pastors, growers, harvesters, processors, shippers, business owners, janitors, insurance agents, lawyers, artists, chemists, doctors, leaders and followers...the list goes on.  Ask yourself, who in the chain is more important than the next?  Each has a very different role to play, but if anyone is missing in the chain, things will not operate properly.  Everyone makes their own unique contributions.

 

 

Truth:  We all bring something different and valuable to the table.

 

 

"Someone, somewhere, needs you-in all your uniqueness-to step up to the plate of your calling.  So come take your place.  Embrace your special roll.  Enjoy the thrill of capitalizing on your strengths without wallowing in misery over your lacks and differences."

 

 

I love when Shirer says, "Apple seeds are supposed to grow apple trees.  Radish seeds are supposed to grow radishes.  Likewise, your seeds are designed to produce a crop that's uniquely yours.  So there's no point in trying to produce fruit that is someone else's to grow.  Your job at any given moment is to bring all your gifts, all your talents, all your propensities, and all your passions into this thing called life and believe that they are good enough to produce the fruit that is expected of you."

Happy to Be You

 

 

Like so many women, I often tend to let myself fall victim to the idea that I am not good enough.  Yes, there is something to be said for trying to be better than our sinful selves.  But, take away the sin.  Look under the skin, past the guts.  What's there is special.  Not because we have done anything ourselves.  But simply because God has created us.  In.  His.  Image.  (Genesis 1:27)

I think about how I feel when people tell me that my children look like me.  I am pleased, and flattered.  In my eyes, my children are utterly, perfectly beautiful.  I know all about their shortcomings.  But those things Do.  Not.  Matter.  I glance over those tiny little details and I celebrate those things which make them Special.  Precious.  Unique.  I am satisfied that the best of me lives on in them.  I imagine that is how our Father looks at us-through the eyes of the heart.

 How can He see us any other way?

"You are valuable because you exist.  Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are."  Max Lucado

I have spent so many years not being who I am.  I didn't even know who I was for a very long time.  I tried to be what others needed or wanted me to be.  And I would beat myself up each time I fell short.  And then, when I had kids of my own, my life became less about me and more about them.  It became important to know who I am and what I believe.  And somehow, it felt easier to take that stand.  I guess because it was for them.  Maybe part of the whole craziness of not being true to who I am was an effort to avoid being selfish.  The ridiculous thing is that when we hold back from being who we really are, we are cheating everyone around us.  Our thoughts are uniquely ours and sometimes our perspective is truly invaluable.  We must stop lying to ourselves and embrace the perfect precision of what God has made.  We have no trouble seeing the simple beauty in a sunset, or a flower, or the ocean.  Why should we turn a blind eye when we look into the mirror or our very own soul?  We should practice looking at ourselves through the eyes of the heart.

 

 

The Affirmation Crusade


"When you take seriously this resolution-this decision truly to accept yourself and your uniqueness-you'll finally be comfortable offering the same favor of acceptance to those around you."

Confession:  There have been countless times when I have pouted because she didn't give me what I needed from her.  Or because all they do is take!  I've felt angry and rejected when he has a different opinion than me.  I have been all too guilty of complaining that this one is this way and that one is that way.  I want everyone else in my life to conform to fit into the little box I have built for them.  It's unfair and unreasonable.

Remember the old hymn~"It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That's how it is with God's Love.  Once you've experienced it.  You spread His love to everyone You want to pass it on."

 

 

We should be that spark!

 

 

Today we are charged with making a resolution to value ourselves and to celebrate others. Our sparks hold the potential to be life saving and life changing.  Who are you willing to encourage that you may have previously been holding back from? 

 

 

What are you willing to accept and embrace about yourself?

 

 

I'd love to hear some of the things that others have said are uniquely you and what you think are some of your gifts, your talents, passions, eccentricities, dislikes, weaknesses, interests, and uniquenesses.  For me, this is difficult.  Maybe it will be for you, too.  But it's an important step in becoming "Authentically Me".

 

 

I asked a few people who are closest to me to list some of the things that make me "me".  The general consensus is that I'm too hard on myself, I always strive to improve myself, I'm a good listener, I am conscious of other's feelings, I'm trustworthy, honest, and smart, I am a great mom, wife, friend, and child of God, I give good advice, I have a good sense of humor, and I am always able to handle any problem I'm faced with.

 

 

What I accept and embrace about myself:

  

My Gifts- problem solver, organization, honesty, and spelling

My Talents- photography, making my house a home, and birthing babies (is that a talent?)

My Passions- my family and growing as a child of God

My Dislikes- people who feel sorry for themselves-oh, wait-about me?  um. my hair.

My Weaknesses- when people misunderstand me and when I hurt someone else

My Interests- bargain shopping

My Uniqueness- I've given birth four times with no pain medication & I've breastfed each one of my babies for their first year of life

 

 

 

                                                                                                  -Dana

 

 

 

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We hope you have enjoyed reading and discussing becoming Authentically "You".

You may begin reading Chapter 4, Faithfully His, and meet us back here next Friday to discuss the chapter.

Please enjoy the other blog posts on Joli until then!