Be YOU

In a world with constantly changing trends and ideals it’s not far fetched for many of us to question “where do I fit?” Often times we succumb to the pressures of our environment or due to a lack of wisdom and we operate way below what we were created to be. In this season of my life I am currently learning to embrace all of who I am because for a very long time I did not.

Growing up I was a peculiar child to say the least, wise beyond my years as the older folk would always tell me. I didn’t find amusement in traditional “girly things” like playing with dolls and attending tea parties but rather I enjoyed stunting bicycles and climbing trees. I’ve always been agile and I still climb to this day. The Lord has not blessed me vertically 😂 however don’t let my short stature fool you, I’m short but I’m a giant in the spirit😁.  Back to my story.

So a lot of the characteristics I possessed I didn’t readily see in others. This made me wonder if something was wrong with me. The same characteristics that made me stand out were the ones I was rejected for especially being bold and telling the truth.

I’ve always HATED injustice I cannot see someone being taken advantage of and just turn a blind eye. This is why I always stood up for those who couldn’t do it for themselves. Also, I believe in telling the truth I don’t have a pretensive bone in my body. What you see is what you get. This is the way God created me and I am FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made and so are you. There is a lane created specifically for you, yes others may have the same gifts and talents but they can NEVER be you and you can’t be them either. Stay in your lane.

This world is harsh, sometimes the sting of rejection continues to pain and trigger us but there is hope. I’ve discovered that within my difference lies my distinction. And one of the greatest ways to bring God glory is just by being who He created me to be.

For years I held my breath not knowing if I would even be accepted or liked and I dimmed my light for many reasons. Today I refuse to shrink to make others comfortable.

I’ve been in spaces many times where the things I am now being celebrated for are the things which were previously ridiculed. I’ve found people who have the similar values and passions and I’ve been thriving ever since. Holistically, this is the healthiest I’ve ever been. I’m at peace, my heart and my mind can finally rest. I don’t have to try, I just BE.

I had a conversation recently with one of my students and I am KNOWN for asking a lot of questions. That’s how I learn and that’s how my brain works. My deep desire to understand helps me to be compassionate and empathetic. And I really love helping others in whatever way I can. So I asked him why he likes me and he said “ I just feel comfortable like I can be myself and I don’t feel like I’m being judged. When it’s just us, you reassure me that you love me and you’re always here for me and I just love being near you.”

Yup I’m crying again. I’m so humbled that God has given me the opportunity to be who I needed when I was younger. What he said really touched the little girl in me, she felt seen in that moment. These moments continue to heal her and each time I breathe a bit better. I feel a lot lighter and free. I believe that this is what Jesus meant when He said He has come that we may have life and have it more abundantly - John 10:10 (paraphrased).

All of what I’ve been blessed to experience came out of a heart wrenching moment, when God asked me to trust Him to send me those I NEEDED. I was terrified, but with a track record like mine and continually choosing less than ideal people, I took a leap of faith and I’m so glad I did. Here’s one of my favorite poems I want to leave with you.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of

God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.”

— Marianne Williamson

I want to encourage you today, let your light shine. It’s time to take off the mask and allow yourself to breathe. Ask God to heal your heart and send you the people you need. There are more for you than they are against you. And your latter shall be greater than your former.

Keep going, God is with you.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven - Matthew 5:16