This past Monday the world observed International Women’s Day. I know of and personally know many wonderful women worth celebrating. And I’m thankful that women have and are fighting for equal rights and equal pay. Women are just as worthy of success as anyone else with the same qualifications. But I believe some messages of this movement miss the mark. We (women and men) were not created to be completely independent of God or other people.
A simple google search of the phrase “I am enough” unearths multiple books, t-shirts, jewelry lines, canvas prints, a master class and a guided self-love meditation. Self-help gurus shout from every platform, “I AM ENOUGH!” “YOU ARE ENOUGH!” In a world where every home improvement show and bikini-clad social media influencer nudges us toward comparison, it’s a nice thought. But here’s the thing, it’s not true.
This message and the people spouting it are well-meaning, and very prevalent in this season. The underlying message of building self-esteem, finding yourself worthy and loving who you are sounds good – even needed – in a climate of vicious bullying and cancel culture. And yet the same people who tell us that we are inherently beautiful also want to sell us billions of dollars in diet programs and products and who-knows-how much in exercise equipment, apparel and gym memberships. Also, we need to add to the Kardashian’s millions by using their cosmetic kits. So which is it? I am enough? Or do I need all these things to make me better?
I would not dream of speaking for you, but I will tell you how I feel about myself. Most definitely, I am NOT enough! This will not be a popular sentiment, but I have not been, nor will I ever be in and of myself, enough! If I measure myself against this world’s standards, there will always be someone smarter, prettier, more fit, more popular and who has nicer things! So how could I possibly be satisfied navel-gazing at myself? I can tell you without hesitation that I am not worthy, deserving or anywhere near perfect. There is something in me that will always keep me from being enough. But I am okay with that, because…
He is enough.
I don’t have to possess a supermodel’s body or perfectly symmetrical facial features. Almighty God, with reverence, made me wonderful (Psalm 139:14)
Never will I be the strongest or the smartest. That’s okay. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” And I might as well cease striving in my own power because apart from God’s Holy Son, Jesus, I can do nothing. (John 15:5)
I don’t have to dot every i or cross every t. Through Jesus, God forgives me for all my sins (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus died so I won’t have to be “good enough” (Galatians 2:21). I could never be righteous without His intervention.
As a middle aged, middle class woman, the probability of me gaining success according to our culture’s standards is low. But because of God’s blessings, I “abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
I no longer feel the need to hide my imperfections, because God’s power shines brightest through my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Whether or not I am in a romantic relationship or in the popular group, I am chosen and cherished by the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 2:9).
I could tell myself all day long that I’m enough. But a part of me knows that something is missing without Jesus. It’s not always easy to drown out the voices in my head and see myself the way God sees me. The loud messages of the world don’t line up. But the truth is…I can’t define my value. God’s word already describes me as a beloved daughter of the King of all Kings. What could be better than that?
And now for this week’s featured post!
AnnMarie of busyblessedwomen.com wrote about The God Who Sees Me last week. I didn’t realize how much I needed to explore this aspect of God’s character. In a world that is so noisy, it can be hard to feel truly seen, truly known and loved. But in God we are! Thanks, AnnMarie, for linking up with Grace and Truth.
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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Now Let’s Link Up!
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