For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
This is something that affects me acutely, and I know that it is something that everyone feels at least once in their lifetime, if not more. As a type-A perfectionist, I can feel “not good enough” several times a day. I’ve even noticed how it affects my interactions with my family and friends. I’m constantly filling in the blanks of what I imagine their thoughts are of me. Even in conversation, I will stop myself — I will literally stop the flow of our conversation — to correct myself, justify or defend what I just said, or add a cliff note, so that they know that I have a good heart or so that they do not detect even a hint of weakness within me.
During one of these long conversations, my good friend caught onto this formed trait of mine and said, “You know, you don’t have to edit yourself for me. You can speak freely and without judgment.” When my friend said this to me, tears began to bud at the rims of my eyes. This was the first time I had heard those words out loud. I had never been given permission or given myself permission to just be me.
The freedom I felt at that moment was the greatest feeling I had ever experienced. This made me think, “Why do I do this? Why do I value myself so little when no one around me feels this way about me?” And if no one around me sees me this way, then I know that my Father in heaven doesn’t either.
I realized that this was learned and formed behavior. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, chaos was always around the corner. So, to cope with the rejection of my father and the inconsistency of everyday life, I thought that if I could be perfect if I could control every situation, then nothing bad would ever happen to us again.
But the fallen world doesn’t allow this. There is so much out of our control. This fact, along with the overwhelming standards of beauty, performance, and success, produces a perfect storm of anxiety about not being good enough. I know so many people feel this way, which stems from a variety of reasons and causes, but, as Christians, we know that this is really a lie from the enemy.
Although we may know this in our heads, it is hard to drown out the loud voices and deep-seated feelings to the contrary. This is where the truth of Scripture comes into play. This is where God’s own words penetrate the darkness to tell us how loved we are, how beautiful we are, and how we are so important to the Lord Almighty that he meticulously formed us and bore the scorn of the cross for us.
Enjoy your weekend
Thanks for this wisdom ! You know I deal with this insecurity of feeling like I’m never good enough. I put myself down all the time. You are so right about how our Father created and sees us. As His children He doesn’t expect us to be perfect but to continue to follow Him and do all we can to let His light and love shine thru us.
You have given me the words I need to hear desperately. Thank you, sweet friend. Love you so much !
Thank you!
🩷
Such wise words from a deep beautiful heart
Well said, Debbie. We are all “good enough” cause He said we are! Great reminder!❤️
Susan,love you my friend
We are made in the image of the creator. I am sure he knows we are not perfect but do recognize this ourselves? I know it is tough to acknowledge but I find I have to do it several times a day. Thanks for the gentle reminder.
Crystal, thank you, for your honesty and yes, I have to check myself daily too many times a day most often.
So much of what you’ve said resonates with me. Our childhoods sound very similar. Psalm 139 is one of my favorites and reminds me of how lived I am. Thanks, Debbie, for sharing your thoughts and feelings that so many if us can identify with. ❤️
Carolyn, I hope to share more often as the blog gets a much needed facelift. The advertising will still be here to help me with expenses. But, they should pop up all over the place hindering all of you from reading my post.
Have a nice weekend.💗
You do the same
Thank you for sharing this much needed message today. This is something that I work on daily because I never felt like I was good enough for anything or anyone. I began to think differently about everything.
You are good enough and we all are good enough. I love you my dear sweet friend and sister. You be yourself ♥️🙏🏻♥️
Amen, well said.
Something I needed to hear today! Thank you for sharing.
Lola, you’re welcome.
Oh, these words are so true. Only because of Him, am I worthy! Being in this human body I have these exact feelings at times. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. Pray about this so much.
Love you, Mary. While I do not know you in the flesh your spirit is felt in your words. I can tell you are a kind thoughtful soul.
Debbie, I have always felt that I wasn’t good enough….I still feel that way sometimes. I get so down on myself it’s hard to get back up. Thank you for this wonderful message today.
Cheryl, well I am here to tell you that WE are good enough. God says so and I believe Him.
Love,
Debbie
I never thought about this until I read it here. It is so true for me. I need to work on this for sure! Thank you!’I learn so much!
Lori, we need to learn something new each day. I hope you have subscribed here so you never miss and email.
Love,
Debbie
Dear Debbie, what a wonderful gift your friend gave you when she said you don’t have to edit yourself for her 💝 I hope she is very present in your life, but even if she moved away, I think she would keep in touch with you. Thank you for choosing this scripture to write about 🩷
Vonnie, friends can be Angels in your life for sure.
Again, just what I needed to hear. Thank you so much for sharing your heart.
Debra, I God wink to you! 🙂
I am overwhelmed daily that God came down in human form to die on the cross for me an unworthy sinner! But because He did he deemed me worthy!
Pat, Amen, blessed we are!