Many might describe her as quiet, perhaps even unsure of herself. But, this picture tells a different story. This picture captures the heart of my girl. And I wish, I was more like her.
My girl. She loves rollercoasters and barrel racing. She loves deeply and will fiercely defend those she holds close. Her laughter is contagious, and she fully embraces the joy that comes from living life. She loves who she is, and it shows. And . . . I wish I was more like her. I wish that I was more confident in who God created me to be. Have you ever struggled with that? Have you ever felt that you don’t quiet measure up?
I read an article, this morning, by Diana Spalding. In it, she talks about how many women, moms in particular, are feeling burnt out. They are burnt out from striving to meet the standards set by society. Standards that dictate what a perfect woman, wife, and mother looks like.
These standards surround us at every turn. They are found in the books we read, the movies we watch, and in our Facebook feed. We see pictures of the perfect birthday parties on Pinterest, the perfect vacations on Instagram, the perfect bodies on the covers of magazines in the check-out line. Everywhere we look, we are faced with an image of what a perfect woman looks like, and we are faced with the reality that we fail on so many levels. Have you ever been there? I have. Far too often.
But, I think it is really important that we remember a couple of things when we begin to compare ourselves to this standard the world has set. First, many of the images and ideas that our society gives us of the perfect woman are unrealistic and unattainable: plain and simple. We see pictures that have been edited and feeds that only share the good things that happen. We strive for perfection and find ourselves disappointed every time.
Secondly, when it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter what the world thinks. The only opinion that should matter is that of our Father. And you know what? In His eyes, you are beautiful. In His eyes, you are precious. In His eyes, you are worthy.
Diana goes on to share a quote from Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, who has spent more than a decade studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity and shame. Ms. Brown says,
“Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen. It’s tough to do that when we’re terrified about what people might see or think. When we’re fueled by the fear of what other people think or that gremlin that’s constantly whispering ‘You’re not good enough’ in our ear, it’s tough to show up. We end up hustling for our worthiness rather than standing in it.”
“We end up hustling for our worthiness rather than standing in it.” That’s a powerful statement and she’s right. We strive to find our worthiness in this world when our worthiness is already found in Jesus. Matthew 10:29-31 says,
“What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.”
Matthew 10:29-31 (MSG)
You are worth more than a million canaries. Cling to that today friend, and stand tall as the beautiful woman God created you to be.
Called to Motherhood 