{this graphic is a goodie for you to enjoy & share however you’d like}
We sit in a circle in a living room, a mini-arena where we can see each other’s faces close-up, watch eyebrows go up, enjoy the sounds of each other’s laughter. I’ve been invited to share with a group of young mamas.
Women who change diapers and the world. Who know how to rock a little one at night and a job in the day. Who grow tiny bodies as well as dreams and hopes. Wonder women.
We’re talking about our strengths, skills and who we’re called to serve. We put that all together so they can create a Life Statement. They’ll work on this at home this week.
Before they go I say this, “Your statement isn’t something to live up to instead it’s meant to be an affirmation of what you’re already living. So when you’re up to your ears in dirty dishes and diapers you’ll still be able to know, ‘Yes, this is where I’m supposed to be. And it matters.’ ”
May I kindly whisper the same to you? If something in your life makes you continually feel as if you’re falling short then it’s probably time to put it through the shredder. That goes for parenting books, sermons, lectures from well-meaning people who love you, magazine articles and Facebook posts.
It’s funny how often “they” think there’s a right way. Most of the time that simply means this: it’s their way. And if it works for you too, great. But if not, it’s okay to walk away and find the path Jesus has uniquely for you.
Scripture is very specific on the what. But it’s very vague on the how. For example, “love one another.” Right now for me that means sitting at this keyboard and typing encouraging words to you in my pajamas {oops, did I admit the pajama part?}.
For you, that might mean fixing a snack for your kiddos. Or listening to a coworker who’s just gotten out of a tough meeting. Or taking a nap because if you don’t you may end up in jail. Love one another can be lived out many different ways depending on who you are, where you are and what God has for you to do that day.
This is why I’m passionate about helping women know who they are: If you don’t know who you are then you will be vulnerable to someone else trying to make you more like them. And if they succeed, we miss out on you.
And you, my dear, are irreplaceable. God doesn’t have a plan B for your life. You’re it. {Also, we’re not supposed to be more like anyone but Jesus. I’m just sayin’.}
So take some time to ask God today, “What do you want me to do with my one wild, beautiful life that no one else can?” Then listen to the whisper you hear in response. {And, yes, compared to the other loud, bossy voices in your life it will sure sound like a whisper. But it’s the only voice worth listening to with all your heart.}
Then dare to be you. Dare to be loved. Dare to live your one extraordinary, ordinary life.
Because you’re the only one who can.
XOXO
