“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life believing that it’s stupid” ~ Albert Einstein

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else”. ~Judy Garland

Feelings and “Fake News”

When we feel that we’ve been robbed, we’ll want to steal from others. When we don’t know our worth; the vast treasure that we are, we’ll try to snatch it from someone else.

But, feelings aren’t what we go on, right gals?

Ann Voskamp tells the truth in The Broken Way. She says, “Feelings are meant to be felt and given to God – but feelings can’t tell you about God, you or your relationship. Your identity, your security, your acceptability come from who God is – and not how you feel. Because, there was something before what you felt about yourself – and that is what God feels about you.” (Emphasis mine)

Feelings are flighty, and they are often fictional. Depending on what you ate, how much you (didn’t) sleep or who you’ve been hanging around, like an uninformed weatherman, your feelings will fail you.

[bctt tweet=”Feelings are flighty and they are often fictional. They will fail you. ” username=”DanielleMac80″]

Along with your feelings, there are some others you cannot trust. Maybe someone told you that you didn’t mean anything to them. Perhaps you believed a lie that said nobody cares. Surely you’ve felt ugly and stupid before. Let me tell you; you are loved, wanted…desired. You are needed in this world. Don’t believe the “fake news” about you. Stop trying to attain what others have, and begin to focus on discovering what you have to offer. In order to do this, you must first take your eyes off others and resist the comparison game. I hope I helped you do this in my Savvy Spy post. Now, I must steer you in the right direction; towards the one who knows you more intimately than your own mother, sister or spouse. Like the manufacturer of a watch knows exactly how and why it ticks, as your maker, God knows you intricately – exactly how you tick, and He’s the only one who holds the right to define you. What does God have to say about you?

First of all, your Heavenly Father; your creator loves you uniquely. In “Without Rival”, Lisa Bevere effectively convinces her reader (thankfully, one of those readers was me) that God made her and loves her so uniquely, and that it’s more than just a Christian feel good cliche. She says,

“He authored how your heart expresses itself; He was the architect of your smile and the melody of your voice; He made all of your features with the fondest thoughts of only you in mind…He didn’t have another daughter in mind when He fashioned you….you are His delight. This means you wouldn’t do it better if you were taller, shorter, blacker or whiter…there is absolutely nothing accidental about you…You don’t have to fight for your place at the table or win His love. No one can take you out or replace you…you have no rival.” (emphasis mine)

When you dig deep in God’s word, you’ll discover that you’re more than you have given yourself credit for….

[bctt tweet=”When you dig deep in God’s word, you’ll discover that you’re more than you have given yourself credit for ” username=”DanielleMac80″]

The authority of your life and identity (whether you recognize Him as that, or not) says you are made perfectly and wonderfully (Psalm 139), you are holy and without blame (Ephesians 1:4), you have received power (Mark 16:17,18) wisdom (Ephesians 1:17, 18) and all you need (Philippians 4:19). He says you can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13), that you’re more than a conquerer (Romans 8:37) and that you have been chosen by Him (1 Peter 2:9). Did you hear that!? God says that you’re a perfect, holy, blameless babe who’s powerful, wise and has the ability to conquer. He chose you to be you. He knows that you are more than enough. Have you felt like this kind of woman lately? No? Me either. It’s ok – remember that our feelings can lead us astray.

Clones and counterfits

There was a girl I thought was pretty, popular, gifted and “had it all” when I was a teen. I remember trying hard to be like her….her talents, mannerisms, style…even her voice. I was trying to clone her, but I was just a counterfeit. It just didn’t work the same for me than it did for her. She was living authentically and I was just a fraud. For a time, I was not comfortable in my skin or excelling in who God made me to be because I was too busy focusing on her. I was the stupid fish who was trying to climb the tree.

So, don’t try to be someone you’re not. You’ll never make it. You’ll remain perpetually frustrated. God made you just so; to a tee, and for very good reason. You’ll never excel doing something that you aren’t called, built and equipped to do. You’ll never be her clone – only a counterfit. But, you bring God glory when you’re authentically you, and when you carry out His commission for your life. The bonus is that you will look and feel your best as a result. You will shine. People will admire you when they see God in you. That is really what you’re admiring in the women who are living to their fullest God-given potential. You’re admiring the glory of God revealed in them.

Cowering Culprits

The glory of God makes demons flee. Being who God designed you to be will send darkness to the corners.[bctt tweet=”The glory of God makes demons flee. Being who God designed you to be will send darkness to the corners” username=”DanielleMac80″]

This is one reason I believe Paul exhorted the Romans,  “So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.” (Romans 12:5,6 Msg, emphasis mine)

Being secure in who He is in our life is seen in the ability one has to celebrate what He is doing in someone else’s life. So, are you secure enough in your identity in Christ to be thankful for what Christ is doing in others? Begin by thanking God for what He’s doing in your life right now and who He’s made you to be. Do more swimming and less climbing. Spend more time attempting to clone God than the gal you envy on your instagram feed. Recognize the gifts He’s given you and how He is shaping you. Ask the Lord how He wants you to use your distinct gifts to help others, and to reveal His glory to them. I assure you that when you live as the best version of you, you will be confident and satisfied, and others will be blessed! Do not rob the world of you!

“True confidence is not found in the mirror until it is settled in the soul.” – Catrina Welch

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” -Psalm 139:13, 14