B E L I E V E I N “Y o U r S e L f”

In today’s “World,” we don’t fully express ourselves as we should. Culture has taught Us it’s more important, famous, and common to think like everyone else. The moment we notice the way we think is different, we begin to feel inadequate, alone and off. This usually happens when we are rejected for having the feelings we have. As a result of the rejection, we suppress our true feelings, and remain boxed into doing what is acceptable, rather than operating in who we truly are.

Original thinking and thought processing is important. It’s what distinguishes and sets us apart from others. We weren’t created to be the same. We were all created for a specific need and purpose. Being set apart helps us discover “What is that purpose,“ ultimately leading ourselves and others, to “Who we are.”

“Who we are” is not always socially, religiously and culturally acceptable, which is why we must break past the fears that are keeping us from believing and being “Our true selves.”

1. The fear of “Being Alone.” Being alone is a great thing if you see it from a healthy perspective. Time with yourself opens up the door for your own natural thoughts and concerns about the world to birth. One of the main reasons why our ideas are no longer original is because we are more socially-engaged than we are self-engaged. We have the opinions of others crowding out our own opinions. We let the world teach us how to think but have no clue of what “We think.” God created us to be different. It’s ok to be social, but you must be personal as well. Discover what are your personal feelings about a matter, rather than seeking how to socially approach a matter. Learn how you really believe it should be approached. It may not end up like you want but at least you were “You,” unapologetically.

2. The fear of being “Uncomfortable.” Social discomforts are going to make you feel uncomfortable. We are afraid to be called names like crazy, weird, and off, but what do you think will happen if you were to embrace these names? You have to make yourself comfortable. Anyone who has done something great in life has never been misunderstood or called one of these names. I can pull out a list of documented inventors to make this point, but I think you get it. We can fly today because the Wright Brother’s believed we could fly, way before it existed. Noah build an ark because he believed God told him it was going to rain when the skies were clear. Dr. King had a dream that we were all sisters and brothers and now there’s scientific evidence that traces every human being in the world’s DNA to one man. What do you believe that makes you feel uncomfortable? Be okay with being uncomfortable until you see it happen. Most of our discomforts are because what we believe is not yet tangible. Just because you can’t physically see it doesn’t mean it’s not already there. It’s there because you see it. Press pass the discomforts of what you cannot physically see and continue to believe.

3. The fear of being “Misunderstood.” You are going to be misunderstood because no one can see your ideas yet. People can only judge what they see or think they see. Before manifestation, most of us look like we are just dreaming, experimenting and going nowhere. That’s an uncomfortable place for anyone to stand. No one wants to be misunderstood because it’s associated with failure; however, you are not a failure just because you believe in something different than the world. Most people choose not to believe in something because they don’t want to fail or be disappointed. I’d rather continue to fail forward believing in something I can’t see than to stay in the comforts of believing and receiving nothing. You can’t receive what you don’t believe and you can’t believe without failing/receiving. It’s a risk, even with the inclusion of being misunderstood.

4. The fear of being “Unpopular.” Popularity has become an important part of everyone’s life, with social media apps and the internet. Everyone is now crazy about being popular. One of my favorite preachers said “Everyone great is not famous and everyone famous is not great.” Popularity has nothing to do with how great you are. You can be popular for anything these days. I would go as far to say that every celebrity that is known for his/her talent is not a great person in life. Greatness has to do with your character as a person. Character is who you are apart from the lights, cameras and actions portrayed publicly. It’s about what you do privately. How you treat others. What you will give up for others and how you spend your time. Are you reliable? Are you honest? Are you consistent in the things that matters? Are you kind? Are you forgiving, understanding and loving? These are the things that greatly matters. I’m not saying being gifted or talented isn’t important, but do you use your talents to build, esteem and comfort others. You can travel the world and still be selfish. Why encounter all these countries, states and cities, but never give something of yourself that would be valuable to others. Valuable, meaning beneficial. People need more than entertainment. They need love. They need hope. They need wisdom. Write about things that matter. Who cares if it makes you less famous or famous. What matter is that it’s life changing.

Whatever it is you were created to do, God is going to provide you with the grace you need to do it. What’s important is that you do it, stand your ground, and be “You.” Being “You” requires alone time with God, reading His word, and knowing what is your next move in life. If you do these, I’m certain you will become the best version of “Who YOU are.”

”Be intentional about saying how you feel concerning the matters in your heart that matters.”

Believe in “Y o U r S e L f.”