We are the free...

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about insecurity. I hate insecurity. It has absolutely no place whatsoever in any of us, and yet we let it consume us. It holds us back from opportunities, it creates fear, it damages friendships, it lessens our self-esteem and tells us we’re not good enough. 

If insecurity has it’s way, then we could miss out on something huge. It forces us to dwell only in our comfort zones so that we stay where we are because it is easier. But why? Why do we let this happen? I did throughout my whole childhood, for most of my life I couldn’t bring myself to look at my own reflection, I hid behind baggy, dull clothes and avoided cameras like the plague. Until I realised life shouldn’t have to be like that. 

If we are bound by insecurity and fear, then are we truly living ‘life to the full?’ John 10:10. I don’t see how we can be! This isn’t what we were created for. Christianity isn’t about ‘looking’ the part, it’s a lot more inward than that. It’s security in the image in which God created you that makes you beautiful and attractive. It’s knowing that no matter how many times you and I mess up that we are ALWAYS loved, ALWAYS welcomed home with open arms. It’s not about rules, or what we can’t do. It’s about what we CAN do with the freedom we have been given. I always talk about my mistakes, because I’m not afraid of them, I’m human I make them all the time and I’ve come to terms with that! I learn from that. 


This is how we help each other grow: honesty. 

Another side effect of insecurity is being afraid of weakness. Over the past few months, I have been weak. I have had to overcome pride (something I didn’t really know I had!) to admit that I wasn't strong enough to cope on my own anymore. This is stupid too. When we are weak, we need people. All the way through my life, I had been the strong and together one, who was fine on her own and didn’t need anyone else’s help. Not anymore! I reached a point where I didn’t want to be alone anymore, I wanted people to help me through it and in turn I now feel strong enough to help other people in the same situation. When we are honest about how we feel, we open the door to let others in. People want to help, to listen, to care, to nurture, to support and to love - and we have to let them sometimes! This is what family is all about, we weren’t created to do this alone rather we make each other stronger. Weakness is not a bad thing that we have to avoid. 

'But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

We were created for freedom...don't miss out on what life has to offer you, take every opportunity you are given, life is too short to regret! God has something wonderful in store for you, I know it. 

xxx