How often do we remain tight in a bud, concealing the gifts God has given us because the risk just seems too great? Avoidance of discomfort is far more comfortable than speaking out. Yet thoughts buzz around and build up inside of us. We know we should move forward, but... What if I flub up? What will people think of me? What if people don't like something I say or write?
When we allow the ugly beast of insecurity to reign in us, we will sabotage ourselves from ever blossoming as God intends for each of us.
But, yes, it can be so difficult, because sometimes those negative thoughts are having a heyday in our subconscious. We aren't even aware of how much they influence our actions or lack of action. How do we root them out and replace them with positive thoughts?
Have you ever heard of IALAC? I Am Lovable And Capable. Dr. Sidney B. Simon came up with this acronym to encourage children to value themselves. We adults need this same reminder.
Perhaps you never have felt lovable and capable. I didn't as a child, and I often still struggle with it. It's tough to purge ourselves of negative thoughts that will not allow the buds of our God-given potential to blossom.
In God's eyes, we are special and deserving of dignity. In His image, there is something inborn in us that makes us lovable. In His unique creation of us, each of us is capable of achieving. He has given us gifts, and He wants us to use them.
I recently watched a video of David Ring, a pastor and speaker who has cerebral palsy. It's amazing what he conquers through the power of Christ. What the devil meant for evil in his life, God meant for good.
In this inspirational speech, David stressed that we all have a story that needs to be told. If we don't tell it, it will never be told. If we do tell it, we can make an impact in this world.
How many of us have stories that need to be told, but we're too afraid to tell it? Our insecurities take over and we remain in a tight bud. Sometimes we're comfortable to remain in that position, but other times it hurts so much. Pressing within us is a passionate urge to tell others what God has done for us, and it's begging to blossom to God's glory.
I challenge you and I challenge myself today to blossom. Let's let go of the tight bud of our insecurities and brave the unknown. You have something to offer to this world, and so do I. Let's risk everything to bloom for the glory of God.
Do you believe you are lovable and capable? Why or why not?
What story do you have to share?
by Randall Arthur, Jason is a powerful, influential church leader; but tragedy strikes, and he finds himself in a serious crisis of faith. His journey to find his only surviving relative, his little grand-daughter, leads him on a quest for truth and wisdom. Here are some of the truths he learned about the enslaving hypocrisy of legalistic Christianity: