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I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be her.
Does that sound weird? It’s not just anyone, either. Actually I can tell you who it is.
You know that woman with the perfect hair and skin? It’s her.
And the one with the house pictures on Instagram? I thought Joanna decorated for her, but when I read about it I saw “just having fun! #hobby #blessed”
Then there’s the one from school that is always at everything a parent should be at, and help at. The one that’s always smiling and patient.
Oh! I almost forgot the one that has the perfect blog with the tons of followers and book contracts lined up for years.
You know who I mean.
Because we all know these people. But are they really people or are they pieces of people? It’s easy to look at someone and see the great things you wish you had. I had put all of these pieces into one person thinking I should somehow be her.
But what if we are not supposed to be her or someone else?
Let’s just dismiss the fact that it isn’t possible for all of these amazing things to be one person. The whisper inside is telling me what I’ve always known: I’ll never be her.
And I’ve always heard it as a hiss. It’s a mocking whisper that tells me I’m not good enough. But that’s not how God talks to us. His voice never mocks or puts us down.
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” I John 4:16
Yet, I still keep hearing the words: You are not her.
When I press in and listen deep I hear a difference in the voice. There’s a smile behind it and it’s gentle, like a slow exhale. And when I really stop and keep myself still there is more.
You are not her because I wanted you.
Something inside lets go, like a dam that’s held back the pressure for too long. And suddenly it’s ok to hope, ok to believe that I am enough.
Do we dare to believe that we are His? That He didn’t get it wrong and He isn’t ashamed of us? Do we go beyond that and believe that we are good and pleasing to Him, the maker of the universe? Do we live our life in full confidence of who He says we are?
Because He longs for us to live fully understanding His love for us. May we press in and listen close to His voice today.
About the Author: Becky Hastings
Becky believes in embracing grace in real life. At My Ink Dance, she captures hard, uncomfortable, often unspoken feelings and brings light, honesty and God’s truth to them in a relatable way. She is also the author of Worthy: Believe Who God Says You Are, a 20 day devotional inviting women to live life confident of their worth. Becky is a wife and mother of three in Connecticut writing imperfect and finding faith along the way. You can learn more about Becky here: Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
You posted such a real and honest post – and you’re correct! It’s just pieces of her. You described many women I know. And you’re SO CORRECT – it’s just pieces of them. Such wisdom you’ve imparted tonight. Thank you!
Thank you so much Patricia. It is so good when we can look around and see the real versions of one another. And know we are not alone 🙂
I love this, Becky! It is so easy to compare ourselves and wish we were more like others. So important to remember that we’re each meant to be unique and that is how God created us.