I had a realization this morning about a habit I have, one that maybe you have too. And choosing to get rid of this habit is starting to change everything.
Maybe you’re doing it too? Maybe it’s holding you back? Maybe it’s time to stop?
I’m getting ahead of myself.
I’ll start with a story.
About six weeks ago, I’m scrolling through instagram and see an announcement from Lindsay Letters that she’s having a great sale on her abstract canvases.
Now listen — I’ve admired Linsday’s work from a far distance for years (years, I tell you). She did the hand lettering on the cover of my sister’s book and other books we know and love. She makes beautiful things I like and admire. But I’ve never, ever bought one of her canvases.
Why?
Well, they’re too pretty. And too cool.
And they are for other people.
Fast forward to several weeks ago — a friend invited me to go to a Zumba class with her. I visited Zumba classes periodically years ago but never went to one on a regular basis.
Why?
Well, because attending a class like that on a regular basis is for other people.
I visit, I don’t stay.
Maybe for you it’s something different, but I bet it’s something.
You see that (in)courage accepts submissions from guest writers, but you assume that’s for other people to apply for, not you.
You hear an announcement at your church that they are looking for people to lead a Bible study, and you’ve always secretly longed to do that, but you’ve never signed up because you aren’t the kind of person who teaches Bible studies.
It can be as small as refusing to order something different at your favorite restaurant simply because that’s not what you typically order; or it could be as big as living your life admiring the work meant for others but never taking the space to discover the work meant for you.
I know some of you may be reading this and completely confused that people like this exist in the world. You wonder why we don’t just sign up for the thing already and be done with it.
But those of you who can relate with what I’m saying? You can deeply relate with what I’m saying.
The habit we practice without realizing it is one of denying our own personhood.
And because of that bad habit, we carry an irrational sense of shame around with us, one that hovers like a fog. We can see it but can’t touch it; we experience it but can’t explain it.
We don’t even think to question it because it’s just the way things are. It serves as a filter for so many decisions.
And it’s keeping us from becoming most fully ourselves.
Y’all, I just came home from my third Zumba class. Three times! That’s like a regular!
And also? I bought the canvas. I had the money and I bought the canvas, and when it arrived, I hung it over our bed and clapped my hands and jumped up and down like a fool.
Or like someone who is free.
I’m not trying to advertise an artist or tell you to exercise.
I’m not saying that buying something for your house will give you a sense of self-worth.
What I am saying is I hope your lack of self-worth never keeps you from buying something for your house or signing up for an exercise class.
I am saying I hope you are able to bring the fear of your own personhood into the presence of Jesus and let Him heal those deep and painful wounds.
I want to tell you the phrase I heard this morning after I showered and walked into my bedroom and saw that canvas hanging over my bed, words I read Elizabeth Gilbert say and words so many of us need to say over and over again : I’m allowed to be here.
I’m allowed to take up space in the room.
I’m allowed to sign up for things.
I’m allowed to put my name in the hat.
I’m also allowed to stay home, to wait, to listen, and to be fully myself without having to prove anything.
I’m allowed to change my mind.
I’m allowed to trust God for big things and for small things.
I’m allowed to believe Jesus is with me just as kindly as He is with other people.
I’m allowed to use my voice and I’m allowed to stay quiet.
I’m allowed to be here.
And so are you.
[linebreak]
Anna Smit says
Oh Emily, yes, I’ve carried this shame and fear for so long! But God is working to undo it, slowly but surely. It’s seen me start a public blog in October to do the Write 31 days challenge with the wonderful help of Crystal, it’s seen me submit a guest post here, it’s seen me compile a 49-chapter manuscript of my testimony to God’s Love and it’s seeing me starting to believe God when He said He’d see it published. He’s been placing people on my path to guide me through it. Just this Sunday I cried myself to sleep praying He’d send me someone to help because I couldn’t do this alone: so Monday I walk in to my church’s Mums’ group to find one of the Mums having her own manuscript critiqued by a friend: turns out she’s a published Dutch author and she immediately gave me her email address, offering to help with any questions I had and design/formatting. Then another Mum offered to ask for help from her publishing friend and asked me about having it translated into Dutch (I live in the Netherlands). I don’t have the funds to pay an agent, so these kind of offers are SO precious.
And slowly but surely He’s teaching me to follow His voice and not the internal criticism that says I’m not good enough: because in Him, I am and more so, I am a precious child of God equipped to do the works He has prepared for me in Christ Jesus.
emily p freeman says
Yes! Don’t you love those answers that you could never have planned for but work out just right? I’m so glad to hear it, Anna.
Anna Smit says
Oh yes! I do! It always amazes me, every time…and I’ve had a lot of them this past year especially!!
SuseFish says
This describes me so well, Emily! xx
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Emily,
I remember, as a teenager, going to the mall with some girlfriends. Different friends admired different pieces of clothing…picked up purses they liked…all the while I never picked up or pointed out anything I liked. Why? Because I was afraid that they would not like what I liked. Afraid that they would judge my taste as being bad. Afraid of just being me and being comfortable in my own personhood and liking what I liked. It’s a painful existence. Thankfully, God, in His grace and mercy has brought me so far from that young, insecure girl. I am not only allowed, but cheered on by God as I fit my piece of the puzzle into the big picture. Great reminder this morning!
Blessings,
Bev
emily p freeman says
I did this too when I was younger, Bev. We are allowed our opinions! And our tastes! It’s seems so small, but is so very big.
Ruthie says
THANK YOU Emily, for speaking words that soothes my tired soul. I’m allowed to be here.
emily p freeman says
You’re so welcome. And I’m glad you’re here.
Robin Dance says
Hey friend,
You know what you’ve done here, and beautifully so? You’ve extended permission. Sometimes we just need a person to do that for us. A good word to give…and receive xo.
emily p freeman says
Yes – permission! It’s funny how we keep needing it even though we already have it. xo
Donna says
These “I’m allowed to” statements rocked me this morning. I don’t think I’ve ever said those words to myself. Thank you for telling me I can.
Ann Rowland says
I’m great at encouraging (sometimes pushing) others to get out there and be their best self. But I know I don’t do the same for myself. Your words pierced my heart today and I will encourage myself to claim rather than deny my personhood. Thank you!
Frannie says
Oh, this is too good. Thank you for sharing … this seems to be a theme for me this year. And at twenty-six years of age I think it’s finally time to let God work this freedom into my life.
Thank you for writing! I appreciate it.
And keep up living in freedom! 😉
Keri Siegel says
Hi Emily,
You are so right, many people do not understand us. They believe we are simply making excuses. They don’t understand the insecurity that holds us back and keeps us stuck in familiar routines. However, unlike most people who struggle with this, I know where my issues come from. I simply don’t know how to break it off of me. I was raised in a difficult family where I received the short end of every double standard they had. So, I grew up feeling like THE EXCEPTION to the rule. Everything good applied to everyone EXCEPT me and all the leftover crap ONLY applied to me. Once in a while, I break out of my shell, more because I feel obligated to give back to those who have actually helped me than because I feel capable of doing what’s needed. If I sign up for something and I’m not contacted back, it feeds my rejection/ insecurity issues and it makes me more reluctant to sign up the next time. For example, my church is in the middle of moving. I want more than anything to help. They asked for volunteers to sign up. They’re aware that I have transportation issues; but when they didn’t contact me to find out my availability, what went through my mind was they don’t think I’m good enough and/or they don’t want to take the time to run me back and forth so I can contribute to the church I love. Intellectually, I know this church would bend over backwards for me. They’ve done it so many times before; but it doesn’t register emotionally. How do I get free in this area?
Tammy C says
Keri,
I don’t know if Emily will get to reply but I will! I know how delicate it feels to be in that place! The only thing I would say is face the rejection. Face the fear. Do it anyway! In facing the fear you will grow stronger – though you must set your heart to keep going. Shrinking back doesn’t cut through the pain. Sometimes the pain lasts a long time. Reach out to people – find others who might understand the pain or have some success. Just giving yourself place and acknowledging that you are “allowed” is a great feeling – even if the outcome isn’t what you want right away. Keep reaching. A disappointing outcome is not the end and don’t let it have the final say.
Kathryn says
Hey, Keri! I read your comment and thought I would respond to it. Here are some tips that I thought of:
1. Write down truth. As women, God gifted us with tons more emotion than men, and because of this, we can often bog ourselves down with our emotions. However, while they are good and God-given, emotions can sometimes cloud the truth. So while “intellectually” you may know something, you may not “feel” like it. My advice to you is that you surround yourself with truth. Our emotions will not always line up with what we know to be true, yet we must cling to our foundation. Satan loves to manipulate our emotions so that we “feel” unworthy. So, surround yourself with truth and believe it! If it helps, pull out a piece of paper and write down what you know to be true, not only about you identity but also about God (e.g. He is faithful in His promises; His mercies are infinite; His love is everlasting). When you believe truth, you can detect the lies Satan will try to tell you. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isa. 26:3) “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2-3)
2. Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit! When we get caught up in our emotions, ground yourself in what is true, but also plead with God for comfort and wisdom! When we know God intimately, we will desire Him and His truth more. And when things seem hopelessly, ask Him for strength and a desire to know Him. Seek after Him, and He will always respond. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7-8)
3. Know that you are unworthy, but Christ is worthy. The gospel is where we find the freedom to live. Although we were sinners, Christ loved us and paid the penalty for our sins. Therefore, as believers, we have a relationship with God. And because of this relationship, He pours out grace upon us when we repent. This grace allows us to live with God in freedom. We must constantly live by the gospel. The gospel provides us the way to live with God in truth. Surround yourself with it.
I really hope these will help you. If you need further encouragement, I suggest these books:
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
Gospel by J.D. Greear
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
Thank you for opening your heart to us, and I will be praying for you tonight.
Love, your Sister in Christ
Mandy says
I would also add speak the truth. Meditate on it. When the negative words come remind urself what the truth is and speak. You are wonderfully and beautifully made Keri. You were made to bloom. Much love
Susan Jones says
Keri, the suggestions made here are good ones.
I would add get some RTF (Restoring the Foundations) based prayer ministry to break off the spiritual roots and heal the pain and trauma that is causing these patterns over and over in your life.
God wants you to be whole.
emily p freeman says
Well these other lovely friends have answered you so thoroughly here, Keri! I will simply add that I understand that feeling of being the “exception” (so well-said). But the truth is ultimately, in the deepest part of who you are, you are okay because Christ is there with you.
So even when you are misunderstood or disregarded by people? You are held and you are free in Christ. This is taking me a lifetime to work out, but the first step is knowing what He is working within me. And within you, too! Sending love.
Angela Parlin says
Wow, Emily. You’ve offered such needed permission this morning. Thank you! I’ll never forget the moment my Grandma looked into the van & made a big deal about how I was “sure filling out” when I was 12. Now that I’m an adult, I realize she was saying I had developed a chest–but then all I heard was, I take up too much space in the world. A lie that resulted in many years of struggle with eating disorders and followed me around for far too long. In fact, I think it still crops up only with different words to describe it. So the part about being allowed to take up space in the room (literally), brought me back to this in an encouraging, still-have-work-to-do way. Thank you, friend!
Bonnie Stafford says
I’m so sorry that happened to you, Angela. My grandmother was very plainspoken, and that sounds exactly like something she would have said. I think people used to be more prone to say just any old thing about a person’s appearance, especially a child’s. Now we seem to know more about how even one off-handed comment can affect a person, as you unfortunately experienced. I have to remind my husband of this sometimes (he’s the outspoken one between us). We are expecting our first grandchild, and I’m determined to be mindful of such things being said about/in front of them.
Angela Parlin says
Thank you for your kind words, Bonnie. I try to be careful with my words with my own kids too…but evenso, they have taken things the wrong way and interpreted them incorrectly at times, so I’m just thankful when they’ll talk to me about it so we can dispel the lies right away. Congratulations on your 1st grandchild…exciting!
emily p freeman says
Wow Angela. That’s a really powerful memory. Your self-awareness about it is powerful as well. Sending love to you this morning.
Susan says
Were you in my head recently? Getting kind of personal here….*smiling*… a couple of things hit home in your list. “Submit a post to (in)courage,” being one of them and being worthy. Thank you, Emily, I appreciate when people get in my face with truth.
Morag Renfro says
Thank you Emily, for being the voice for those of us who totally get what you’re saying! I did a facebook thing yesterday when you ask your kids questions about you. And they know I love them and they know what my job is. But they don’t know what my favourite food is – and I realised that’s not surprising – do I even know what my favourite food is? Here’s to more self discovery and less fear of personhood
Kitty Hurdle says
Beautiful. Thank you, again, Emily!
LeeAnn Taylor says
There are so many “shoulds” in my head that it was refreshing to read “I’m allowed to” statements this morning instead. Freeing indeed.
Carrie says
Isn’t it just like the enemy to get into our heads like that? What a crafty way to debilitate our purpose. I fully get what you are saying. I am fifty-one years old and have only just begun to put my finger on this lie! Thank you for your good and true words, Emily. Thank you and keep it up!
Carrie says
P.S. I LOVE the artwork you chose. Beautiful! It looks like you–What I have seen of you in your writing, anyway:))
Nancy Roe says
HUGELY LOVE this and relate to it!!! So right on, as they used to say!!
Melinda says
Yes, oh, yes. The fear of my own personhood has kept me from so many things. I tell myself the skills, the talents, the books, the opportunities…they’re for everyone else, not me. Thank you for the encouragement and the conviction to bring this before the throne of grace and allow the Lord to work in my heart, healing and showing me truth.
Tammy C says
I printed from your bold words down through all the “I’m allowed” statements. I’m adding it to the binder I keep to change my thinking. This is a big deal for me!! Thank you for sharing – it is wonderful to break free from stuff like this! I love that you recognized that’s what your clapping was about. That was a break-through for me too when you shared that. Love it!
sandi says
Yes, I cried after reading this too. Recently, God showed a damaged soul as very young girl where strong words ” quit trying to draw attention to yourself”, caused a fear of inner expressive creativity to be wrong. I have been asking God “Why am I having such difficulty giving myself permission expressing the worship You have given to me?” I go so far in my writing, and then do not allow myself the permission for classes to improve in technique or even think past a blog. ” Don’t draw attention to yourself’.”
It is a healing process. God loves the little girl from the 1960 who was dancing up and down in front of the camera. He is healing and releasing the personhood He created my soul to express and enjoy. 🙂
Thank you Emily. Sometimes the fear to go forward in our personhood can be a result from words/lies thrown at us from our past. God can heal those wounds as well so we can go forward.
Carolyn Watts says
And I’m allowed to comment?! “Fear of your own personhood”—wow, what a powerful (and scary) phrase, and, sadly, so often so true of me. Just yesterday God was showing me something about myself that I need to own and embrace rather than trying to hide, so it’s lovely to have that permission and freedom echoed again here. Thank you, Emily!
Cathy Baker says
I didn’t realize how deeply I related to this post until the tears began rolling down my cheek while reading, “I’m also allowed to stay home, to wait, to listen, and to be fully myself without having to prove anything.” When I stayed home with our young sons, I felt no guilt, only joy. It was a gift. Now our boys are grown with children of their own. My husband supports my staying home so that I can write and do other types of ministry but I feel guilty, perhaps even shame, when I don’t feel like I’m producing enough to justify my being home during the day. I feel guilty when I daydream about future posts for my blog or when it takes forever for a project to come together. I unknowingly equate down time – waiting and listening – to doing nothing, and then guilt emerges in different and unsuspecting corners of my life. Thank you, Emily, for this post. I’m delighted to be a Hope Writer and I thank you for the encouragement that group offers as well. Blessings!
Debby Hudson says
I’ve never quite looked at it this Emily, that whatever it is, it’s for other people, but you’re right. I have my excuses. The end of last year I decided I was going to submit to a few blogs. One was actually, (in)courage. Since it’s been a few months and I’ve not heard anything, I assume it was declined and I’m okay with that because I took the step, that really felt like a leap. My goal was to take the risk. Now, to tackle a few of the other things you mentioned. Yikes! 😉
Pam says
Weird how I got here from my inbox but right before I clicked I thought “wonder if I could ever write for a site like incourage” and then it was typed on the screen once I clicked, “incourage accepts submissions”. Thank you for this, it has stirred me up.
“Art coming from honest hands shows us beauty, stirs up longing, and touches us deeply.”
–Emily P. Freeman 🙂
Deborah Gregg says
Thanks Emily. Why is it taking me so long to even begin to figure this out? Can I send this in a time-travel letter to 20-year-old me please. And God – help me teach this to my daughter now.
Marian Vischer says
And now I want an abstract canvas and a dance-y exercise class and to submit an (in)courage post. : )
I love this post. I am this post. {Totally see why you cried at the end. }
Tallie Gifford Palmer says
Over the last 20 years, I have spent forgotten who I am. And here I am today, finally remembering what that 14 year old girl knew way back then. I needed to read this today. I’ve been praying about this for months. Thank you. I’m not a person who comments, but today, I AM Allowed to be here. 😉
Beth Williams says
Emily,
You hit the nail on the head with this one!! I have low self-esteem. It takes a lot for me to sign up for things. God has graciously given me the courage to do sign language to music in front of the whole church! Usually I let others go ahead and do things while I step back and just assist or do nothing. We need to give ourselves permission with God’s help to get out there and do and enjoy life!!
Blessings 🙂
Rebecca Connell says
I’ve never thought about it in those terms, but this is my struggle: allowed to put my name in the hat or allowed to be ___. Thank you for bringing this forward and putting words to feelings. This was so needed. (Maybe I do need counseling :))
Martha says
i love this so much Emily. Such good words.
abby says
YES! I never thought about it that way before, but you are so right. Thank you for the reminder.
Rosanna Penner-Sauereisen says
You know, I’ve never thought about things from this perspective. There are a lot of things I don’t do-my excuse is almost always that we don’t have the money. Honestly, that is often true as we have some really big goals for getting out of debt. However, I don’t know that I will be any better at spending the money on the little things I’d like when we are completely out of debt. I definitely struggle with self-doubt, especially when I consider submitting a guest post to somewhere like here. You’ve definitely given me a lot to think about. Thanks for the post.
Inspired Life says
Emily,
Such a great post. I’m delighted that you’ve granted yourself permission to live on purpose, to try new things and to enjoy them. You ARE that girl! I’m compelled to be equally courageous. Keep it up.
Alicia says
Yes. Just, yes.. I launched my first blog about a week and a half ago, and do you know how long I’ve been feeling God’s gentle nudge on my heart to start a blog? 5 years! Yes, 5. I’ve been TERRIFIED of it for 5 years, yet desperately longing to join the ranks of bloggers, and not really understanding why. I finally did it a week and a half ago. This spoke so very much to my heart, because I can so personally relate to this debilitating, confusing fear that can paralyze a person in their tracks. I’m hoping that I’m on the path of making small, baby steps to move past that fear now.
Laura says
Gah! How do you do this?!?! Speak my very heart. You are a dear one, Emily Freeman. Thank you for all the words you dare to put out there. I pray for the grace to become most fully myself. Bless you!
Jamie says
I so get this! I am exactly this.
elizabeth maxon says
ok. you just called me out…in the most kind and lovely way. thx. xoxo
Angela says
I don’t quite know how I ‘found’ this site and the site of Emily P.Freeman. If clicked to watch a friend’s video on YouTube and Emily popped up next. I couldn’t believe someone was speaking about the me I had hidden so long. Every post I read was like a sigh leaving my heart. A little unravelling has begun and I feel held for the first time in a long time. No good girl pretending just internal time out. Thank you that you found me.
Mandy says
I literally read the words out loud, I’m allowed to take a break! and more. Thank you
Kimberly Henderson says
I love this. So very much. I realize I walk around in so much of my life waiting for someone to hand me a “permission slip” to do anything and everything. What on earth?!?!? Thank you for sharing this. For understanding the struggle. For helping lead the way to freedom. For reminding us that we already have full permission to be fully who we are.
Tracy Moore says
As a recovering “retreater” let me just encourage all to step out in faith. God has so much in store for each of us and desires, I am sure, for us to reach our full potential in Him. Who do you think put those good desires in Your heart? Who gave you those gifts and graces to be used for His glory. He did and it honors Him when we courageously use them. Likewise, when we let the gifts languish out of fear or false humility surely His heart is hurt. Think of your own children and how much it hurts you to see them exhibit signs of shame or fear or poor self worth despite all you have done to build them up. Is our heavenly Father any different? Not only that but the Kingdom is diminished. In recent years circumstances have challenged me to try things I would never have dreamed I was capable of (ok …kicking and screaming along the way) and He has met me at every turn. Take the smallest step of faith and watch what our God will do to meet you!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,but of power and love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Tracy Moore says
oh yeah and how about this…”I can’t” is nothing but a big fat lie of the enemy. Who ya gonna believe?
AprilP says
Thanks for the reminder that I’m allowed to be here. The automatic thought “that’s for other people” is limiting in so many ways, but it’s a thought that comes all too often. This is definitely a habit for me to work on changing.
Katie Landers says
Thank you for this Emily. I totally get it. It takes a lot of bravery to step into your own personhood but, man, it feels good when you do. My kids do it well–I should study them more often. Thanks again!
BlueDanube73 says
Emily, this is not the first time I have read something you have written that was so custom written for me that I about fell out of my seat reading it. You see, just last night, feeling defeated and weary for a million and one reasons, I stood in my kitchen and said, “God, why do You insist on always making me show up? I want to hide in the corner where no one will see me. Nobody will notice I’m not there anyhow.” And then the dark, condemning thoughts began to pummel me — thoughts of worthlessness, insignificance, invisibility. Conviction snapped me out of my pity party pretty quickly, thank goodness, but that oppressive condemnation has been getting worse and worse lately. This usually happens when God and I are on the verge of a breakthrough, so I’m sitting tight waiting to see where He will lead me.
God tends to teach me one particular lesson during a season, and this season’s lesson is authenticity. I keep hearing that gentle voice: “Remember who you are.” For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m beginning to remember, and once again, He has been gracious enough to lead me in the direction of your words here to confirm that He really is speaking to me, and that I’m not going crazy! Anyway, thank you — the words don’t seem to be enough, but somehow, I know you know the deep gratitude that comes with them. ~ Lisa
Shanna Leigh says
Do you know how I know this is me? I find it nearly impossible to own pieces of my “personhood” and instead speak around them as only (less important) components. As in, I would never call myself a “writer”….no, I would say that “I write.” And even in the profession I actually get paid for, I catch myself saying “I perform ultrasounds” rather than “I’m a Sonographer.” It sounds ridiculous, but there really is a huge difference! I never understood why I did this or the implications that come with this tendency, but now I do. Thank you Emily for giving me the vocabulary for it; it makes so much more sense now. <3
Jaimee says
“I’m also allowed to stay home, to wait, to listen, and to be fully myself without having to prove anything.”
My favorite thing read today. I think I’ll go chalk-art it on my board. Thanks, Emily, for yet another word fitfully spoken!
Sheila Siler says
Powerful post, I had never thought about it this way. I have more to ponder now.
Paris Renae says
Emily, you must be my younger self trying to tell my older self – l i s t e n – you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned not taking a chance on submitting writing opportunities because — wait for it — no one knows who I am 🙂 Thanks, again for your good words…
Whitney Langdon Putnam says
Emily, Thank you. This is exactly what I have been carrying around for — oh my, well, we aren’t too sure for how long….My personhood got lost in the day to day living and I am fighting to get it back. For some reason, I grew ashamed that I am a dreamer and a visionary. For some reason I developed a guilt about my ideas and my presence. I don’t feel like these writing and speaking places are for me (and even as I type that a weird thing happens in my stomach) but I know it is how God made me. I come alive in these places. But for some reason, I started questioning God on who He made me to be and therefore shame has clung tightly to aspects of my life. I am currently begging God to get down to the nitty gritty of who He made me to be and allow myself to dance (or Zumba!) in the freedom of that. Thanks girl! Your words were just what I needed….fighting for my personhood in my Savior.
Dee says
Thank you so much for this….. just what I needed!
Sarah Elizabeth says
Absolutely love this. You’re absolutely right to observe that a lot of us let our own personally limiting beliefs stop us from doing so many things – even ultimately following our calling. But this limiting belief can affect everything from the microscopic decisions about how we spend our time everyday to whether or not we’re fulfilling our vocation. Beautiful writing, and beautiful encouragements xx
Sally Ferguson says
Beautifully said, and a good reminder that we are invited into community!
sarah says
Yes. Thank you for putting into words something that I really didn’t realize was happening in me, until I read this.
Lisa Moseley says
YES! One of my favorite quotes is “define yourself or someone else will.” Yet, I have such a hard time living by those words. It’s a combination of not wanting to disappoint others and not wanting to be judged. I’ve been trying much harder this year to be present. The struggle is REAL!
tosha says
Yes! it’s so odd, but I’ve been noticing the same thought pattern in myself lately. Every time I watch “Fixer Upper”, I notice myself telling myself that those are houses for other people, that I don’t deserve or am worthy of a house like that. Crazy. It shows up in other areas too. I know I’m not promised anything like a Joanna Gaines designed house or anything, but I still think it’s a pretty sinister form of self-bullying. God has only recently brought it to my attention, which usually means He wants to work on it. I really hope He does.