Let Yourself Be Real

Psalm 19:14:  May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

I love quirky people.  Real people.  People with pesky imperfections they just can’t escape!

I love the friend who snorts when she laughs.  The co-worker who makes up songs and boldly sings them in the hall.  The woman who disdains white-out and happily starts over for the simple joy of an unmarred page.  The one who doles out hugs like candy and the one whose body language declares, “That’s a little too close for comfort, thank you very much!”

These traits propel their owners into the realm of relatable.  And I love it!

So why do my own quirks and imperfections feel like disqualifications?  Like flashing neon signs that declare my small, simple soul to be too awkward and odd to truly embrace.  

Years ago I memorized Psalm 19:14:  May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

I wanted my words to others to be kind and my thoughts toward them tempered by grace.

But what about the way I meditate on my own flaws and foibles?  What about the words with which I berate myself in lengthy internal monologues?  

Are those acceptable in God’s sight?

Hear me, friend.  We must give ourselves grace.  Because God gives us grace first.  Because being transformed into His image is a process.

The best way to fight back against these self-destructive thoughts and criticisms is to use the weapon God gave us.  His Word.

Speak the truth in love.  (Even to yourself.)  Ephesians 4:15

Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

Of course we are imperfect humans.  But not all quirks are sins, and the Holy Spirit is in the practice of convicting, not shaming.  Shaming thoughts are all on us, sister.  

So, when those feelings of insecurity assail, when you want to safely hide away the awkward, the odd, and the unpredictable parts of yourself. . .realize that those are honest and  open  parts of who you are.  Parts that make you relatable, and unique, and oh-so-real.  

So today, friend, give yourself grace.  Let yourself be real.

Until next time,

Shelby