My little brother carried around one particular blanket as a child. It became ragged, worn, and eventually had so many knots in it that it looked more like a rope. We called it his “security blanket.”
He’s long since outgrown that little blanket and has become quite the tough guy. I, on the other hand, still have an “insecurity blanket” I carry around with me much of the time.
My blanket is invisible, of course, but if you could see it I imagine it would be worn out from use much like the other one.
When children are scared or stressed, they often reach for their favorite blanket to get some comfort. As I thought about that, I realized the “insecurity blanket” in my life works in much the same way.
My insecurity is often the way I cope. I worry, fret, run familiar lies through my mind. Helpful? Not really. Soothing because it’s familiar? Yep.
As I thought and prayed about this the other day, I felt like God challenged me to consider what I should really be holding onto in those times. You see, if my hands and heart are wrapped around insecurity then they’re not clinging to Him.
Um, ouch.
Past that little heart-pinch of conviction, I realized what a beautiful thing this is for us. The God of the universe invites us to come to Him, cling to Him, take hold of Him whenever we’re stressed, discouraged, tired, lonely, afraid. He loves us deeply and accepts us completely.
There is power in reaching out for Him, the One who is always reaching out for us. I think of the woman in the gospels who had a disease for many years. She only had to touch the hem of Christ’s garment and she instantly found healing. And He offers us much more than just His hem. As His children, we can fully embrace our Heavenly Father.
Insecurity soothes us in the moment…but it can’t heal our souls. Only God can.
I don’t remember how my brother finally gave up his blanket. I do know it would have been a little awkward if he hung onto it. I can just see it with him on his first day of school, wedding day, job interviews. Confession: As his big sister, imagining this is making me snicker a bit.
But hanging on to “my insecurity blanket” would be even more silly. So perhaps it’s time for us to lay down our “blankets” too. Then our hands will be open to take hold of the One who offers us true security.
What do you think, girls? Have we outgrown our “insecurity blankets”?
* When I planned this series, I didn’t know about Beth Moore’s new book, So Long, Insecurity, You’ve Been A Bad Friend to Us. Everything she does is excellent and I highly recommend it as well as her blog!
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Read the entire OUT of INsecurity series.
