Go With It

Growing up my parents would tell you I had a WILD imagination and that I was a DREAMER. I was super independent, bold, and far from shy. I would give "concerts" to anyone who would be my audience at a young age, direct plays for my sister/friends that we would then put on for my parents (or the dogs - didn't matter), and was always pretending I was somewhere else on an adventure (think: Backyardigans).

Then high school hit and I became "more aware" of myself and how others saw me (not a good thing), thus resulting me to not be as bold and be more reserved. I used to score as an Extrovert on the MMPI and as the years rolled (if you're a psyc major you take this test a bazillion times), I slowly crept toward the Introverted side.

But in retrospect, it's not that I became more introverted...it's that I was more insecure. It was pure sin...caring more about how the world viewed me versus how God saw me. (Don't get me wrong: not saying introverts are insecure - this is just how it played out in my life because I am truly not an introvert!) I realized in my mid-twenties that when you care more about how the world views you, you will have ENDLESS imperfections because everyone has a different opinion.

Anyway, I went through a period of time in high school and some in college where I allowed my Spirit to be quenched through my insecurities. I had some significant battles that I felt like I always lost...they centered around image and became such a stronghold in my life that was both crippling and damaging.

We are created in the image of God... (Gen 1:27)

This was and is profound for me. Think of all the ways Satan has designed our world to make us believe otherwise...stop and think about it, because it's truly remarkable...and frightening.

Today I choose to run toward the truth so simply stated from God...that we are made in His image. Some verses are debated and up for interpretation.

But not this one.

It couldn't be stated more clearly.

For me, when I really sit and ponder this truth, I takes away the pressure of "measuring up" to everyone/thing around me...of measuring up to current styles, or the "in" look, or what my house looks like, or how my kids dress, or who my freinds are (and you know - we could go on ALL day).

It's not (and never will be) about making sure everyone thinks I'm in style, or have the awesome house, or wear the great clothes, or have the perfect kids...

It's about pleasing my Savior...measuring up to His standards alone. And since I'm made in His image, through His power and Spirit dwelling in me, it's an attainable standard. Praise the Lord.

Because let's be honest: Satan is crafty and brilliant. And he's got us all tangled trying to meet everyone else's standards. Seriously? Not even close to possible.

Now, this is something I fail at often, but - like today - am convicted and reminded of by whom I was created.

Oh - and wouldn't you know, the last time I took the MMPI in grad school, I scored equally on E vs.I which, by scoring default, makes me an extrovert again.

Honestly, I was going somewhere WAY different with this post when I wrote the first paragraph - ha. I was going to tell you how weird it was, that with a wild imagination as a child, how I hate fantasy movies and refuse to read anything that is fiction. Then I was going to share with you the next three books (non-fiction) I plan to read by the end of the year.

But we'll just go with this. I guess I needed this word for myself today. :)

(***The 3 books are on the side bar of the blog though***)