I AM ENOUGH

Have you ever had those moments where you felt like you were not good enough? Were you ever devalued by someone that you gave time, energy or love to? Do you constantly compare yourself to others – their appearances, talents, successes, money, relationships and happiness?  How many times have you hurt you, because of past mistakes and bad decisions you’ve made? How about not being able to move forward because of not being able to forgive or holding on to the past? Dealing with a broken heart, boundaries or promises? If we can be honest and authentic, we all have likely fallen into one of these categories or proposed questions. I have.

               Living in a world where everywhere you turn people are either trying to strive for excellence or just get ahead in life can be very overwhelming. No matter how much you seem to try, you may feel that you cannot succeed and will never be more than what your circumstances allow. Talk about just wanting to exist, have a job, be loved and live your best life! When you don’t reach the goals that you set out for yourself, or you believe that you’re not conquering life’s challenges you may feel unworthy, defeated and unattractive in so many ways. Your once “go get ‘em” attitude starts to dwindle and you begin to question your potential, worth and even your faith. Not only do you feel like you are spiraling downward, but you start making decisions that lead to participating in things that you would have never seen coming or would once say, “I will never do that.”

Sadly, the activities one starts to engage with can have innocent intentions, but lead to deception, depression, devastation and even death. Many have admitted to using drugs, sex, alcohol, porn, illegal activities, addictions, hate and their power to cope with feeling less than. Consequently, negative thoughts start to intrude and before you know it, they begin taking over and the once optimistic person no longer exists, and a pessimist is born. Does this have to be the case? No. It’s not that we will not face challenges in life it’s what we will do with them. In the Bible, Proverbs 23:7(a) “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” this is not limited to men, but also for women. One of the most precious gifts given to us by God is our heart and in this context the heart refers to the mind. We not only have the ability to think, but our thoughts also become a reflection of who we are. What you think matters and can be a wealth of health or destruction in your life. Is this why we are encouraged to think on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8)?

You are ENOUGH and it starts with believing it! You were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and He said that you are Fearfully and Wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). God loves you so much…me so much…us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ not to condemn us, but to save us! This was done by dying on the cross and redeeming our sins, the bad things we do that hurts God and miss the mark of holiness. When we are connected to our power source, we have power to overcome our obstacles, challenges and even self- defeating thoughts and behaviors! We are empowered to take our thoughts captive and even if they enter, decide whether they will stay. We don’t have to do this alone but have to be open to asking for and receiving help. Here is a Bonus from Jonas, “If you have a pulse, you have a purpose (Dr. Jonas Gadson).” One of my favorite scriptures states,” For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).” When I think of this scripture it reminds me that God has a plan for my life and even though sometimes I don’t understand what it is or the things that I am going through doesn’t make sense, I hold on to the fact that this plan involves giving me hope and a future. Hope is so important to have and without it you will begin to spiral downward. So, keep hope alive and watch your thoughts! Be kind to yourself and Believe in YOU!