Dear Friends, You are Enough

I talk about a variety of topics on this blog because I like to explore life from many different angles. Recently, however, I have been thinking about what I would tell you, dear readers and friends, if I could only tell you one thing. The answer came almost instantaneously:

You Are Enough – Weaknesses, Imperfections, and All.

You see, I know what it’s like to be drowning in an ocean of self-doubt, frantically gasping for breath. I am quite familiar with the feeling of being overlooked, left out, and lonely. Though it was years ago, I can still feel the pain of wondering why I didn’t seem to fit anywhere, convinced it must be because I was unloveable, though I didn’t understand why.

Thinking that my offering would only be acceptable if my kids were well-behaved, my house spotless, my clothes stylish, my days productive, my talents obvious, my friends many, and my patience intact, I could not possibly live up to my own expectations. For many years, I was overwhelmed, guilt-ridden, and unhappy because, no matter how hard I tried, it never felt good enough. Everybody else seemed to have it all together, and I was constantly falling short.

I am in a much better place now, thanks to the healing powers of prayer, time, and perspective. I have come to understand that if I allow myself to dwell on my weaknesses, I will never have the focus and energy necessary to see my strengths and use them to accomplish the work God has laid out for me.

Now it is clear that I have an enemy in this life who wants to keep me so distracted with thoughts and feelings of inadequacy that I fail to recognize what I can do and who I can become. God, on the other hand, yearns for me to see myself as He sees me. He needs me to rise above the lies the adversary tells me about myself by first understanding that they are LIES. The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, did not create me to be less than anybody. He created me to SHINE, and I will never be able to do that if I submit to self-doubt.

That knowledge alone has changed my life. It has given me the confidence to be comfortable with imperfection. It has allowed me to see myself and others in a completely new light, one that is not jaded by harsh judgment or unrealistic expectations. It has opened my eyes to hope, beauty, and JOY amidst heartache, challenge, and chaos. It has provided me with a new lease on life.

Now, when I start to feel like I am lacking, which happens more often than I would care to admit, I easily recognize the source of that feeling and can quickly set it aside. It has become a mere annoyance rather than a prison.

In the fire of painful experience, I have learned that each of us is born with indescribable worth that is inherent and need not be earned. Because of that, I can assuredly declare that you, too, are good enough. No holds barred. No proof required.

Your weaknesses do not define you. You are a woman of untold strength and infinite potential. You are here on earth to accomplish a great work – to change lives – to make a difference in your corner of the world. But first, you must believe that is possible. You must, with God’s help, see greatness in yourself.

If that sounds good but feels out of reach, I advise you to start by getting on your knees and asking the Lord to teach you about yourself. Then listen closely with an open mind. I believe with all of my heart that God will answer that heartfelt prayer because He yearns for each of us to understand who we are and WHOSE we are. That knowledge changes everything. With it comes POWER and PERSPECTIVE and HOPE and ACCEPTANCE of oneself and others.

If every woman understood her worth, imagine the change she could orchestrate for herself, her children, and those in her circle of influence. She could arm her loved ones against the onslaught of the “NOT ENOUGH” mentality that is attacking women from every angle. By standing as a beacon of confidence and strength, she could bring hope and light to those in her path, thus brightening the world, one small corner at a time.

My dear friends, you are enough. Today, tomorrow, and always.