{my graphics are free goodies for you}
If perfectionism could be identified by one phrase, it would be this: “I’m fine.” We falsely believe being perfect means not needing anything. But we’re not God and we’re always in need. Every single one of us.
Even that woman you think has it all together. Maybe especially her. None of us are self-sufficient. We’re not supposed to be. God created us to need Him and each other.
One of the hardest parts of overcoming perfectionism is raising our hands, opening up our hearts, and simply saying, “I need help.”
A friend of mine recently went through a difficult time, and as several of us gathered around her to offer support, she kept saying, “I’m not allowed to be broken.” How many of us have felt that way? I certainly have.
This friend is incredibly kind and generous. If you need anything, she’s there. So we gently asked, “How does it make you feel when you help us?” She looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “It’s good. It makes me feel valued and loved.” We responded, “Then give us the gift of helping you now.”
This the incorrect belief we have to change: if we need help, we’re a burden. Because the opposite is true. In the kingdom of God, it’s more of a blessing to give than receive. So don’t deprive those around you of those benefits just because you’re afraid of what they may think of you.
Let’s give others the gift of helping us. We need it—and they need to see we’re not perfect because it sets them free to ask for help and grace too.
XOXO
P.S. Have you read the beautiful words of Claire Diaz-Ortiz? She is like a travel guide for life. Her stories and insights will give you a vision of where you want to go and practical steps that will help you get there. I encourage you to check out her newest book, The Better Life. You’ll be more filled with joy, peace, and what truly matters to you by the time you finish the final page.
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Photo by the lovely Mindy Gordon.
Welcome to the Coffee for Your Heart weekly link-up! You’re an encourager so I’m asking you to pour out a little love with your words every Wednesday {link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
Giveaway and Optional Writing Prompt: For the next few weeks, the Wednesday posts are going to be about getting free from the pressure to be perfect. I’ll have an optional writing prompt for you about that topic. If you write about it, link up and include my new book You’re Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect in your post somewhere, you’ll be entered to win a God’s Heart for You necklace {U.S. residents only}. Thanks to DaySpring for providing the necklaces! Congratulations to Sarah for winning last week! If you don’t have a blog, you can share today’s post on Facebook, leave a comment here saying you did and answer the prompt in your comment.
The prompt for today was: Who in your life lives these words: “I don’t have it all together. But I believe we’re better together.”
Next Wednesday’s prompt is: Do you have a hard time asking for or accepting help?
Pretty please use this button in your blog post so others can easily join in with us {html code in right sidebar}. And when you link up your post, take a moment to leave an encouraging comment on the one that’s linked up just before yours. Thanks, friends!
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