YOU ARE AMAZIN'

Again and again, I see how easy it is to say those words to someone else and how hard it is to believe it for myself when told. I think there are three main reasons for this:

My stunted self-worth. I’ve laid so much of my identity on the altar of public opinion, cultural sway, performance, status, and the desire to be known. And in so doing, my truest identity; the one in Christ, gets lost under the pile.

My misguided views about humility. "Amazing?" I say to myself. "What a prideful view to have!" But truthfully, God isn't just "okay" with me. He doesn't simply tolerate me. He didn't create me and then whisper, "oops, what have I done?" I was made intentionally, and because the One who crafted me is the king of the whole universe, I am indeed a pretty amazin' creation.

My familiarity with the messes that no one else sees. The truth is, we all know the yuck of our own pasts. I know where I have failed others, and where I have failed God. I know all the un-amazin' things I've said, done and thought.

These reasons notwithstanding, I am still an amazin' person and so are you. We are not what we do. We are not how we feel or what we struggle with or even what we have accomplished. We are who God says we are. Sometimes we get paralyzed by insecurity because we define ourselves by our failures. Sometimes, we tie so tightly our identity to our talents or success that when we mess up or realize someone is more talented; we don’t know who we are anymore. Let’s define ourselves the way God does – amazing; no more, no less! We are made for amazing things. Each of us are here for "such a time as this," for purposes set out for us long ago. Our time here is short, so very short. If you’re anything like me, maybe 2017 can be the year when we let go of our stunted self-worth, our misguided views about humility, and our past regrets.

It's a new year. You are an amazin' person, and you are made for amazin' things. So, say it loud and say it proud: "I am amazing, therefore, I bloom!"