The other day I was speaking to a group of women and said, “I want to know who you are, but better than that, I want to know if you know who you are.” As a result of that question I’ve been pondering my own answer.

Almost every day of my life I ask God if I’m doing enough – if I’ve pleased Him. I can tell you that even when I know I’ve lived my purpose for the day, I rarely feel good about it. My personality is to critique every move I’ve made and word I’ve said. I relive my daily agenda listing all I could have done better rather than take two seconds to appreciate any accomplishments.

I tend to be hard on myself. You too?

I’ve been thinking about my own transformation from childhood to the grownup world I reside inside. I wish I could stoop down to the height of the little blond girl I used to know so well and tell her to lighten up, she’s going to grow up to kill it. She’ll sing and laugh and even be able to bang out a song that makes sense on the piano she always dreamed of playing. She’ll be loved by a great man that God sent just for her, and she will have amazing, healthy, God-serving kids. I want to put her on my lap and tell her that grief will come but it’s joy that will remain. Life won’t be easy but she won’t do it alone and no matter what comes her way Jesus will always be faithful. I want to snuggle her in and say, “You’re bound to make mistakes, kid, but don’t fret, you’ll learn from them and be stronger as a result.”

I remember her fear so well. Sometimes, I still feel it. In those moments I think she can easily whisper something helpful to me. “Hey there, it doesn’t last. The fear will pass and you’ll be fine. You aren’t dying, so quit thinking that panic and anxiety will put you in an early grave. It comes and goes but Jesus helps and He won’t ever leave. Just breathe; you’ve got this! We’re growing up to be better than okay.”

That child had dreams that this adult loves to reminisce. Every single one was God inspired and, throughout adult years, morphed into different shapes and sizes to meet His plan. I intend to work harder at remembering I don’t have to be so tough on myself. Everything is working together for good just like the apostle Paul was faithful to write in Romans 8:28.

When God breathes big giant dreams, the enemy tries to tell you why there’s no way they can be lived. Lies, lies, all lies.

Friend, maybe you’re like me. And if you are then I strongly suggest you reminisce the little child you once knew so well. Think about what she might tell you and what you might tell her. Think of all the ways the hand of God protected her and molded her.

Perfectionism has the ability to perfectly destroy women. Let’s put an end to that! (Click to tweet)

Just in case you need reminded of who you are…

You are chosen! (1 Peter 2:9)

You are His workmanship! (Ephesians 2:10)

You are a child of God! (John 1:12)

You were bought with a price! (1 Corinthians 6:20)

You are an ambassador of Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20)

You’ve been saved by grace through faith! (Ephesians 2:8-9)

You can do all things through Christ! (Philippians 4:13)

You have plans and purpose! (Jeremiah 29:11)

You are forgiven! (Colossians 1:14)

And, friend, the list goes on and on!

Love,

Jennifer