Recently I saw a quote while searching for inspiration and encouragement that really got me thinking. (I love when that happens!) “You were born to be real, not perfect.” What meaning does this hold for you?
Here’s what it means to me…
We live in a world that often tells us to “suck it up, buttercup!” “You’ll be fine, just stop worrying so much,” or “Aw, it’s not that bad – others have it so much worse than you do!”
Feelings and pain become minimized, leaving isolation, rejection and depression in their wake. While it’s true we are incredibly blessed in comparison to others, that doesn’t make our own hurt disappear.
So many people silently suffer and wonder, “Does anybody care? Does anybody see my pain, my grief? Is anyone even real anymore? I can’t be the only one going through all of this?”
Let me encourage you today: You’re not alone.
The failure of people to be real and transparent with their own failings, feelings and struggles might have you feeling you are, but you’re not.
Steven Furtick from Elevation Church says it best, “We see what we didn’t get as a sign of something that we are missing.”
I don’t know about you, but I can really struggle in this area myself. I have been guilty of thinking to myself, “I must not be good enough if they don’t even see my value!”
It’s a huge lie we buy into; internalizing this feeling of rejection and assuming that because people who should see our value don’t – well then, we must really be lacking it, right?
Wrong.
you were born to be real not perfect
Friends, we can’t help a single soul if we aren’t willing to be real ourselves.
This ‘human condition’ of imperfection we were all born with is not unique to us. When we are afraid to show our vulnerability and share our personal truth, someone else is suffering alone and in silence.
Someone needs you. Someone needs your heart, your encouragement, your wisdom and your unique testimony.
No one else can take your place! No one but you can tell your story.
It doesn’t matter what other people think or believe about you. You are here to live your own life, not a repeat of theirs! Living your purpose is where you will find your joy. Don’t buy the lie. – Holly ♥ #encouragement #beyou
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We all begin as babies absorbing all we can about this great big world. Sometimes we fell, got a boo boo, maybe cried or screamed a bit and got back up.
If we are truly living, we’re not that much different now. We still fall down sometimes trying to do things on our own, in our own strength.
We still probably cry, kick, scream or throw the occasional temper tantrum. I know that’s not just me over here!
We still get hurt sometimes and need God’s healing touch in our lives.
Yet, we get back up and go on with life – wiser, stronger and better for it.
The purpose of pain has always been to go through so you can grow through. There will always be someone behind you and ahead of you on their own journey. Teaching and helping them turns your pain into purpose. – Holly ♥ #personalgrowth
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I’m guilty. I can’t tell you how many times I should’ve done something and didn’t because I was afraid of failing or of not being good enough.
To this very moment, I still struggle with perfectionism. Our inner critics can be so loud sometimes, competing against one another for the loudest voice. I get it.
Even writing this very blog post about not being perfect, I’m thinking to myself, “Bleh, this isn’t very good, is it?” How’s that for irony?
You see, all of us either are or have wrestled with those same feelings and thoughts too.
Perfection is a lie that simply doesn’t exist. It is poison that many of us drink every single day and wonder why we aren’t well. – Holly ♥ #perfectionism
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“You change more lives being real than you ever will being fake.” – Holly at wholenesshaven.com ♥
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life isn’t always lovely & it’s okay to not be okay!
The God we serve is not blind to our pain or our frailty. We shouldn’t be blind to it in ourselves or others, either.
Sometimes, we hurt. Sometimes we let down our shield of faith and forget Whose we are.
Sometimes our fears and circumstances in life overwhelm us to the point of wanting to give up. I get it!
We all need someone to come alongside us at some point in life, love on us and grab our hand to pull us back up out of the pit of despair.
I touch on this very topic in my post 5 Life Lessons Learned As A Preacher’s Daughter under the heading, “Illusion.”
What you see is not always what you get!
This is the most toxic part of believing we must be perfect; we can’t have problems!
We internalize the pain and isolate ourselves. This isolation then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You’ll begin to think things like, “If I was …., then I could…”
It’s what our enemy loves to do the most. When we believe the lie that others have it together, but we don’t, it prevents us from sharing the gift of perfect imperfection.
Recommended Related Reading: Dear Person Who Has Been Hurt By The Church (An Open Letter) by Shell Vera ♥
turn your pain into purpose
The life you’ve lived and the journey you’ve taken is unlike anyone else’s. You might find similarities but it’s still uniquely yours.
What happens when we boast in our weaknesses and actually enjoy our imperfection?
But His answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
The road you’ve traveled has specifically equipped you for your purpose.
I was reading “Our Daily Bread” and read something that deeply made an impression on me. I pray it speaks to you too.
When we don’t feel we have anything to offer, God takes our “not enough” and makes it “more than enough.”
Jesus says to us, “Place who you are and what you have in My hands. Your broken life. Your story. Your frailty and your failure, your pain and your suffering. Put it in My hands. You’ll be surprised what I can do with it.” Jesus knows that out of our emptiness, He can bring fullness. Out of our weakness, He can reveal His strength.
Broken To Be Shared
There’s more than enough fake “perfection” in our world today. What we we need is authentic YOU – the real you – in your imperfection – sharing what you’ve learned and are still learning.
Encouragement is in short supply. Good news has to be hunted for, while fear and panic abound.
Our gifts, talents, stories and skills are the Master’s puzzle. Oh how beautiful we are when we allow Him to shape us into who we are called to be.
How perfect the picture when what we are afraid to show becomes the greatest blessing of our lives as others reach out because they’ve been touched by your truth.
If you’re going through Hell, keep going!
Winston Churchill
My friend, you were born to be real, not perfect. We are all still learning, still growing, still healing and still reeling. It’s okay to not have it all figured out and it’s okay to not feel okay!
The point is to not get stuck in the place of our greatest fears and pain. One foot in front of the other – that’s all it takes. Just wait and see, the scenery will soon change.
All My Heartfelt Love and Prayers To You & Yours,
Recommended Related Reading: Covid-19: A Prayer for Protection
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. And as always, my deepest heartfelt appreciation goes out to you for sharing this post with your social media family. Thank you!
My friend Carol has written a powerful, Scriptural prayer guide. I hope you will support her and get your copy on Amazon today! When you need help praying or simply want to pray more, “Petitions From My Heart,” will bless your life!
“How quickly we forget the power that’s running through our veins… the kind of power that EMPTIES graves! Oh my soul, remember Who you’re talking to! The only One who death bows to…” My friend, He’s not finished yet!
As usual, you touched my heart! Thank you!
Sweetest Janet, I just love you! 🤗 Thank you for being the amazing woman you are. And thank you for letting me know this touched your heart. I’ve been out of sorts and wasn’t sure whether to hit publish on this or not.
I am sending you nothing but love and gratitude for all you do to encourage me. You are very appreciated and cherished. ♥
It is so freeing to know that I was “born to be real, not perfect” Thanks
Amen to that! It really is freeing, isn’t it? 🙂
Yes ma’am
I believe that we are all healthy and that is our natural state. It’s only our thinking that makes it seem like we aren’t well. Then it passes eventually and we are back to feeling well again.
Hi Tanya! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me.
I agree with you in so many cases. I know for me personally, some of my worst days physically have been because my thinking was wrong. There are many physical conditions that aren’t linked to a mental state. But I agree with you: I think there are many many conditions of the body that can be tied to the mind.
I love hearing your feedback. Thank you 🙂 I pray you & yours are well.
My hubby, cats, and I are good.👍
Thank you for the inspiring read . So many truths here that I can so relate everyday .
Hi there! Thank you so much for stopping by Wholeness Haven and sharing your thoughts. I love hearing from my readers! Thank you for taking the time to read.
I am extremely grateful you could relate. We are all going through so much and have been through so much more than that. It’s good to know we’re never alone on our journey. Blessings to you & yours!
Everyone’s problems are important to them, and no one has the right to beliitle someone’s trials, even if they seem trivial.
Amen to that, Mark! Very sound wisdom we should all remember. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I sincerely appreciate you! 🙏🏼
Dear Holly,
I was so, surprised when I came across your final paragraph. What a lovely and supportive blogger friend you are. Thank you so, so much!
As for the message of your post, thank you for sharing your heart. I absolutely loved your quote about perfection being a poison. So true!
Dearest Carol, it is truly my pleasure to support the work and ministry you’re doing.
Isn’t that perfectionism quote great? When Holy Spirit dropped that into my spirit, I thought, “Wow, that’s good!” It’s so very true.
Lovely to hear from you my friend. Thank you for sharing your heart and for sharing this post. ♥
You are very good at crafting your quotes Holly and making them tweetable (if there’s such a word). I will have to see if I can take a leaf out of your book.
Thank you once again for your support in recommending my book and providing the purchase link.
And thank you for adding my prayer to this post. 😃
You are an Angel! 😇
Aw, thank you Carol for such a kind compliment! If you need any help with the “better click to tweet” plug in, let me know. I’d be glad to help in any way I can!
It is truly my pleasure to recommend your posts and your book. No thanks needed my friend. 🤗
Thank you dear Holly. I did look into how to add the click to tweet but just have not got around to trying it out yet. But if when I do, I encounter any problems, I will certainly ask for your help. 🙂
The clip from Steven Furtic really touched me. It’s like he was speaking directly to me!
This is such a touching post all around. There have been days in my past where I’m feeling less than needed, yet knowing there’s someone out there who does need me is so inspiring!
Your words are so refreshing and uplifting! Prayers for you and much love!! ❤️❤️
Wasn’t that a powerful word from Steven Furtick? I am glad it spoke to you. It did to me as well. He was definitely raised up for such a time as this. Many of his words hit home that way.
You are definitely needed, loved and appreciated! I consider it a great blessing to have met you, Michelle. ❤
Thank you for your kind words. They have made my day! Sending those love & prayers right back your way. 🤗
Another amazeballs post! Being real will always be better than being fake, as will giving out goodness into the world no matter what. Be you, wholeheartedly and unapologetically (unless you’re a complete asshole, in which case you should apologise!) 😂
“We still probably cry, kick, scream or throw the occasional temper tantrum.” – You know, I often think about this when I’m in supermarkets, especially lately. Why is it not socially acceptable for a grown woman to yell, kick and cry while rolling around on the floor in a hissy fit tantrum?
You needn’t worry about your post, writing it and thinking ‘this isn’t very good’. That inner critic is a liar and a fraud. Your post is perfect and you make such excellent points. A beautiful reminder to be REAL. Bravo, Holly! ♥
Caz xx
Caz, you are HILARIOUS! I can’t tell you how many times I have seen your comment and laughed at this: “Be you, wholeheartedly and unapologetically (unless you’re a complete asshole, in which case you should apologise!) 😂” Too funny! And I agree!
I laughed again when I read what you wrote about it not being socially acceptable for grown women to throw temper tantrums in public. Ha ha! There have been a few times when it was all too tempting, right? Sometimes all I can do is shake my head and carry on, because I’m in full-blown amazement mode by some of what I’ve witnessed. (sigh)
Not being able to find any toilet paper is definitely bordering on temper-tantrum time though! 🤣
In all seriousness though Caz, I want to say thank you with all my heart. My inner critic really gets out of hand and here lately, it has been. Hearing your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know.
I am grateful for you, your friendship and your support. Thank you for yet another amazing comment that made my day!! 🤗
I’m so deeply glad you didn’t listen to that voice telling you this isn’t good enough! What a beautiful ray of hope your spirit is in this world, my dear sister. It’s emanating brightly from here into so many hearts. I rejoice in the good works that Daddy God prepared for you to do before the beginning of the world, that you are walking in! Aaaaamen, not perfect, but real. That encourages me because I felt a little vulnerable in sharing what I did on my post today, so I receive this as affirmation from Him about it being the right thing. So grateful for your obedience <3 🙂
Jennifer, I am in awe of your comment. Wow. There are no words to describe how deeply touched my heart was when I read this. I am very hard on myself typically and these words brought much comfort to my heart. Thank you!
I love that you opened up and allowed yourself to be vulnerable. Believe me when I say, I understand how difficult it can be. For us INFJs, it can be even more so. We would rather focus on others and not ourselves. Yet, in order to really help others, we must also share how we can relate to what we teach.
I thank you for your obedience. You are such a blessing over & over again. God bless you, my sweet sister Jennifer. I just love you! ❤
Soft happy chuckle. I sure love you back! I’m so VERY glad it blessed you! Go easy on the one Jesus loves so much — that’s you! I so get it, though. Seems like I’ve been in a life-long learning journey to be less hard on myself too. Grace upon grace to both of us! <3 <3 <3
What a beautiful gift gave you Holly in the encouraging words you always share with everyone through these posts, thank you. Stay safe out there, I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
My dear dear friend, I am SO grateful for you and your words. Reading this touched me and nearly brought me to tears. You’d be amazed how often I wonder if I should continue writing these posts. Your encouragement has kept me uplifted and going more than you’ll know this side of Heaven! I love you, sweet friend.
Praying you are staying safe and secure as well. Your creativity, your heart and your love are a light during a very dark time. SO grateful to have ‘met you!’
I love this read so much. We are made uniquely and made to be real rather than live in some illusion of perfection we are expected to live in by others. Our messy story can be someone else’s healing and that will make heaven even happier that we brought home a wandered off soul.
You are made for the most and the best. You are fully equipped and you do have all it takes to achieve all you need to achieve. You are loved, ma’am. ❤
I hope you are staying safe during this period too?
Sweet sister, it’s always wonderful to hear from you!! Thank you so much for these amazingly beautiful and touching words. You are precious and deeply appreciated! (big hugs)
I love what you said; “Our messy story can be someone else’s healing and that will make heaven even happier that we brought home a wandered off soul.” — Amen! You are absolutely right. If our stories don’t help another avoid pain that they could’ve avoided, or the misery of feeling alone in this world, what did we suffer for?
I am so moved and humbled by your words. Wow. Thank you so much. Know that you too are deeply loved! 💛
We are staying safe here, trusting in the protection of our Almighty God. I pray the blood of Jesus over you and yours, as the wings of Abba God shelter you and keep you safe from all harm. God bless you dear friend!
Smiles. I love reading your messages too. And I am glad commenting too. ❤❤
Yes ma’am. Smiles.
Hmmm. This is something to really hold on to. Our pains is meant to be healing and be channel to another person’s ease. 💯
Smiles. 🤗
You are highly welcome. Awww. ❤
Glad to know this. It’s needful – under His wings we abide.
Amen. Amen!.
Than you so so much. Amen and you too ma’am. ❤❤
Happy Sunday. 💃
Oh, Holly, you touched upon the very subject I have been wrestling with. Remember over at my blog the post that talked about self-respect? That is the very center upon which I today find myself in a situation whereupon someone who I love very much, has pulled away and maintained a wall of silence. My “intuition” tells me the reason for this is because she has to present with the “sick” projection that no matter what, she has it all together. So not true. She is afraid to be human and less then perfect. So hence this wall of silence. I did not see this coming and the hurt it caused me is deep. Forgiving is where I am right now which as you know is a process. No longer am I willing to allow her to control me in order to present with a phony baloney attitude that all is good.
Ask my husband something and he will tell you. He has this perfectionist streak (as does this person) which directly relates to his own insecurities having nothing to do with me. When he begins to criticize me for making mistakes etc, I very calmly look at him saying, “I never claimed to be perfect and besides perfect is boring. I am being me and you who love me, it is your place to accept me for all of who I am.” I live an authentic life. I will not pretend otherwise. I fall. I get up. I make mistakes. I THINK and pray how to do different. I pace in my kitchen thinking how best to help my sick cats. What do I do today? I seek Guidance from within with all aspects of my life.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post. Do not dare second guess yourself, Holly! We all are on a journey learning as we go, some of us more so then others. As with the person who has withdrawn, I see the pattern and sadly know she has not learned past circumstances nor has she grown. I on the other hand am a high flyer learner, or at least I try to be. (smile)
Stay safe and sane. Look to those things that are Higher then this madness we are surrounded in. Laugh. Play. Create. Take this time we are being given to do what you love and run with that. I am!! BIG (((HUGS)))!!! xo
Amy, Amy! (sigh) When I read this comment from you, I was in awe. Your support,encouragement and pure love deeply moved me. Thank you!!
I am so sorry Amy that you have had this happen in your relationship with someone you love & care for deeply. It’s hard, isn’t it? As you say, really all we can do is forgive & let go. There’s no way we can change a heart or mind. We can influence for the positive with our words and/or actions but that’s about all. Most importantly, we can pray for understanding! It breaks my heart that this person has the delusion that they must be (or even can be!) perfect. It’s exhausting to try and hold up such a facade. It leads to health problems, mentally and physically. We were never created or designed to pretend anything. Yet we have a whole culture all over the globe that seems to think it’s the ONLY acceptable way to live. What a tragedy!
I LOVE what you said about perfectionism. You are 100% correct. Not only is trying to be perfect exhausting, it is also bland. Our greatest lessons come out of our greatest pain. Our greatest growth is born out of a need to understand why we did or do what we did or still do. It’s not easy to look at ourselves and admit our mistakes always, but the reward is so very great! Just because we make mistakes doesn’t make US a mistake! The only mistake is if we repeat unhealthy behaviors or thinking patterns with no desire to change. Then, there really is something to be concerned about! Pride really does come before a fall!
You sure do know how to make me smile my friend! Thank you for your inspiring and moving comments. I could hardly believe your response. I am really bad about not seeing my value far too often. Your words uplifted me and gave me some needed strength to keep pushing through.
Laugh. Play. Create. I LOVE that! Amen Amy, amen! Lets do just that. All my love and BIG BIG HUGS to you! 🤗🤗🤗
Holly, I love this point, “Friends, we can’t help a single soul if we aren’t willing to be real ourselves.” We truly can’t help anyone if we aren’t willing to show up fully as we are, where we are.
What an awesome comment, Shell! Thank you so much!
This is one of the reasons I love you so dearly. You are not only willing to be real, but celebrate it! You realize just how much of an impact you have by simply being you. It is incredibly refreshing!
I am so glad to have met you in the blogging world. Your messages are ones of hope, truth and encouragement. God bless you for being a woman whose purpose is to make a difference in this mad mad world. ❤
Bless you, Holly. What a pleasure to meet you and have you share your heart. <3
If we’re real with our imperfection and embrace it we can use it to help ourselves and others otherwise we spend so long trying to be who we’re not until we forget who we are.
Love, light, and glitter
Eliza, you are awesome! Your words are so spot on: “we spend so long trying to be who we’re not until we forget who we are.” — Yes! You are absolutely right! Once we forget who we are, it’s very difficult to regain our footing in this life. We build a life that we don’t even recognize because it’s not even really us. Then we feel trapped by the facade!
Love, light and glitter back to you sweet Eliza. Thank you for a wonderful comment!
How are you doing?
Love, light, and glitter
Being perfect isn’t something I would want to be. The stress would be awful.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥
Amen to that my friend, amen! Great to hear from you, Sandee. Wishing you and your loved ones an incredible weekend ahead as well! ♥ Sending my love, as always
I absolutely loved everything about this read. It’s so true and so hard in this world to keep that truth in mind! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Sweet Amanda, what a blessing your comment is/was! Thank you so much! 🤗 You’re right – in today’s world, it’s tougher than ever to remember we matter – in every way. We are masterpieces and should celebrate every little puzzle piece that forms the work of art! ♥
I’m a huge fan of Carol’s book! She shared some beautiful prayers.
Loved this post Holly. I’m a huge fan of realizing the light within us and seeing how God has placed us here on purpose. We sometimes feel this need to be one big and outgoing when it’s not in our nature and that’s because God has people out there who need the quiet and often overseen to impact loves as well. It’s about progress, not perfection (to quote Pastor Mike Todd).
Sweet Shell, I wholeheartedly agree with you about Carol’s book! Her heart of intercession is a blessing. Her prayers are power-packed, from the throne room of God. 🙂
I am deeply deeply touched by your words my friend. You’re right – our personalities are not a mistake! Like you, I’ve thought, “Well, there must be something wrong with me — I’m not _____ or _____.” It’s unreal how the enemy takes what is actually our gifts and somehow gets us believing that it’s a curse! If he can do that – he can derail our purpose and us living out of authenticity. It’s tragic to see how often that happens. It was happening to me!
Love that quote from Mike Todd. Perfection truly is poison to our souls. I’ve lost many days ripping myself apart in one way or another. Somehow I’m betting you can relate.
You sharing your thoughts with me always blesses my soul, Shell. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being you & for being such an inspiration! ♥
“God’s timing is perfect.” Someone said that to me once when I was struggling with “why now?”. I found this post because you found one of mine, and God, in His infinite wisdom, was perfect with the timing. These words fit so well into my recent struggle of vulnerability and imperfection. You have blessed me today – thank you!
Wow. I am deeply touched by your words. God, in His infinite wisdom used you tonight as well, as I re-read your comment. Thank you for your heart. I am deeply moved by your reply to this post.
The “why now,” question can be a tough one in life. Why in general can be a tough one. Trusting isn’t always easy. Yet when we hold close to Abba and allow Him to lead us through – in time, we understand. It may not make perfect sense why He allowed what He did (or when He did) but we can certainly see clearer when the fog lifts. Praying for you, your heart and whatever you’re facing. God bless you. You are loved and appreciated! ♥ Thank you for taking the time to share your heart & thoughts with me.
A wonderful feel good post Holly! But also very true. We can waste a lot of time in life trying to be perfect and be the person others want us to be. All we need to be is ourselves. And, if who we are is kind, loving and accepting then what else is needed?
I love your comment, Michele! Oh how true it is! It really is a waste of time trying to be what others want. Some people are never satisfied, no matter what you do. How exhausting that ride to nowhere is…
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. I genuinely appreciate you! ♥️
Great article…so timely for me. I have worked so hard to not worry about being perfect. It is truly a freedom if you can get there. Thanks…stay safe…be well!
Hi Lorrie! I understand where you’re coming from. We can be so hard on ourselves, can’t we?
I hope each and every day finds new freedom for you, from perfectionism and all the useless weights of society expectations. You’re worth so much more! ♥️ Sending my love to you. Thanks for such a great comment!
Thanks, Holly😁 I just made a “mistake” on a project and knew in the past I would have beat myself up for it. So instead, I just sat with it and tried to figure out how to “fix” it…and the answer is one that will make the finished project even better than it would have been!! There…instant verification that perfectionism is not all its cracked up to be 😉
Hope you have a super day!! Love and light!
That’s amazing! I love your perfect example of how simply allowing ‘happy mistakes’ to happen can bring us better answers than we had to start with!
Sending love to you. I pray the rest of your week, and your weekend are simply amazing! ♥ Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate you!
Sweet Blessings, Holly😁💜
What a beautiful piece. Thank you for this wisdom and inspiration!
Aw, Amber! You’ve made my day. Thank you for such a kind comment! I’m grateful for you taking the time to share your thoughts. ♥️
Hello Holly, Great post. Full of truths, encouragement and life. When we realize that society, culture and the devil places all these false, unrealistic and demonic expectations in our minds, then and only then can we become free. As you stated, we all struggle or have struggled with being perfect, but being perfect is so overrated. Frankly, I like being myself because when I was trying to be perfect for family and friends, I was truly miserable. Now that I have found the freedom in being myself, a load has been lifted. If I am feeling low, I admit it. If I am feeling sad, angry, despondent, I admit it. Tell the truth and shame the devil. Thank you for your wonderful anointed writings which are truly ministering to the hearts and minds of the world. Love you in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! God bless you and your family!
Wow sis, what a wonderful comment to read. You’ve encouraged my heart today, thank you!
I LOVE what you said about being yourself, because trying to be ‘perfect’ only created misery in your life. Amen! I wholeheartedly agree with you. This is a familiar story to me and I’m sorry that you too traveled down that lonely road. Although I am more grateful to hear how Father God plucked you out and allowed you to see how special you are.
Exactly — honoring how and what we feel isn’t weakness. We feel what we feel for a reason. God can take those emotions and help us understand so much more than we ever imagined possible. He is faithful to bring us through – even in the midst of utter darkness surrounding us. For me, now is a time such as that. Yet, His goodness and faithfulness are more than enough to carry us when we can’t see.
I love you in the Lord, my sister. Your words of encouragement have not been taken for granted. I needed to read this, and am grateful to you for sharing your heart and God’s with me. You’re a blessing! God bless you! 🤗
My sweet sister in the Lord, You are a treasure and an angel. Our paths crossed for a reason and I am excited to see where the Holy Spirit takes us as we journey together. With our Father, all things are possible. God bless you as well. Love you!
Great post.
Thank you so much for your kind words! ❤
Hi Holly. 😊 One of my favourite quotes is “No one is a better you, than you.” It’s such a wondrous thing!
It has taken me years to realise only some of what you have so eloquently written here. I’ve struggled with depression. I still do. Fewer days than I used to, and more capably than I have in the past, but it is still painful every time there’s nothing ‘wrong’ but my mind aggressively tries to convince me otherwise. Accepting how I feel is OK has been a game changer. I still feel low, or flat, and darkness still washes over me, but instead of fighting to change how I feel, I find a quiet place, in the physical world and in my mind, to simply be with God.
“Lay Your Burden Down” is a song I started writing at the end of 2019. I haven’t gone back and finished it, yet, but your post has inspired me to push it to the top of my to-do list. To finish the song, and the others on the EP, and share them. When we release the fear of losing control, and lay all that we are into Jesus’ hands, wonderful things blossom from our beautiful scars. I am good at this sometimes, but I still hold tightly to some things I need to let go. (Namely seeking a woman to marry and share life with.) God knows best, and only through His strength and grace will I prosper.
Thank you for sharing these words. After a weekend feeling flat, out of place, and like anything I do is not worth the time, I needed to be reminded that God is always with me. Especially through the pain. ♥
Dear Hamish, oh my goodness! Your comment is hands-down one of the best comments I’ve ever received on any of my blogs. You’re amazing, thank you!
I love the quote you shared. How true it is! We get so busy sometimes trying to be someone else in some way, shape or form, that we forget they could never be us! We aren’t a mistake and were created on purpose by a loving Father who has our whole life in His hands!
Nothing beats the presence of God, does it? That’s where our freedom is, even when the outcome isn’t always what we hoped for or when we hoped for it! My heart goes out to you, dear friend. I’m so sorry to hear that the darkness of depression has gripped your soul entirely too many times. I pray that the love of Abba would overwhelm the darkness the enemy tries to bring into your life. I pray that Jesus Himself would touch your wounds, bind them up, and heal your brokenheartedness. (Ps 147:3) I pray that the God of all comfort would minister to you, even as you sleep or rest, and bring you the freedom He longs for you to have. In the waiting, I pray that He would speak truth into your heart so that you may know Him, even in unexpected ways!
I love the title of the song you began. Yes, amazing! I believe that this desire on your heart and the creative gift God has blessed you with will touch many many lives. I love what you said: “When we release the fear of losing control, and lay all that we are into Jesus’ hands, wonderful things blossom from our beautiful scars.” — OH MY GOODNESS! That is preachable right there, brother! Wow. Profound truth you shared. I love it!
Nothing you hope for is an accident. If He has placed those desires in your heart, He is sure to fulfill each and every single one of them! Believing by faith with you and for you to receive the overwhelming goodness of God’s favor and blessings being outpoured to overflow. You are so very loved!
Thank you again for such an incredible comment. I am deeply touched and blessed to hear from you! I hope you will come back and share some more! ♥
Usually I have witty quips, or nuggets of wisdom, sometimes both, that pop into my head to add to a conversation. But, you’ve already said so much of what’s needed with your words. Thank you, for such heartfelt, caring wisdom, and sharing the Psalm reference. I can’t remember many bible verses by heart, but one that sticks with me (it’s on my keyring): Isaiah 40:31. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
I try to remember this every day. Sometimes we’ll soar. Sometimes we’ll run. Sometimes we’ll walk. Other times we’ll be still waiting upon His strength.
Amen. I say again, amen. Thank you. And thank God for caring people like you in this world.
I wanted to click on “Like” but it (the like button) wouldn’t load. Anyway, this is a very good post, helpful to many.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Sorry about the like button. There has been a technical issue with WordPress for quite some time now that causes my like buttons to stay stuck in loading. Maybe someday it’ll be fixed. 🙂
I love it, it really touch my heart.,
I have a question ”How can you use your strengths and minimize your weakness to develop yourself in the following aspects: physical or physiological, intellectual, spiritual, and social?”
Hi sweet Lara, how are you? I pray that you are well. Thank you for your incredibly kind comment on my post. It warmed my heart so much to hear that this message touched your heart. (hug)
I also love your question. In my humble opinion, our weaknesses teach us more about who we are than our strengths do. Personally, I wouldn’t minimize your weaknesses, but instead, celebrate them for the growth and change they inspire you to make. 🙂 (2 Corinthians 12:10) Continue to nurture and grow in your strengths, of course, but true authenticity comes when we know how to recognize and share all of us — because most people relate to our pain more than our triumphs.
I would like to ask you for clarification though, if I may, because I’d like to answer your question in a way that’s helpful to you. I’m not sure that I fully understand what your thinking is, and I do want to. I’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts. ❤️
Confirmation!! It’s both exciting and scary, lol. I’ve been hearing this from God for a WHILE now. Thank you for sharing this <3
Amen! I love how God works! 😊 You’re right – it is exciting and scary at the same time. But we know that when He puts something on your heart, He gives you the grace to see it through. Sending love and blessings to you, sister. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!