When you don’t measure up

Ever feel like you just don’t measure up?

Let me tell you what causes that: false expectations derived from comparison. We you compare yourself to other Mommas or what you think someone else expects of you, sometimes you just don’t feel good enough.

Comparison if the thief of joy. - Theodore Roosevelt 

STOP IT RIGHT THERE.

Listen. I hate to break it to ya. No matter what standard others or you hold yourself to, you’ll always fall short. But that’s exactly what Grace is for.

Maybe your waistline, your bank account, your cooking, your hair, your home decor, your relationships, your -you name it- just don’t measure up to what you want/hoped.

Stop.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath.

Fix your heart upon The One who is Grace.

He doesn’t require you to do or be anything. He desires that you come to Him just as you are.

He knew you would fall short...

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

So He stepped down from heaven above and filled in the gap for you...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

I'm realizing we don't just need saving from the consequences of our sin, which is eternal separation from God (I'm not minimizing this decision, as it's of primary & utmost importance). I believe one reason God left a part of Himself, The Holy Ghost, with us is to continually help/save us in the spiritual battles we endure here on earth. 

Feeling like you don't measure up is a lie Satan uses to discourage us & keep us from living a joyful life. 

What do you do with this lie? How do you overcome this feeling of inadequacy?

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

You must change your thinking! You must renew your mind. 

But HOW???

Why don't you start with singing? 

Music has incredible power!

It can touch our hearts and minister to us in profound ways. God has a song for you today. Perhaps it's an old hymn, or maybe a contemporary anthem. Let me encourage you today to literally lift your voice & sing along. With eyes closed and a heart fixed on your Savior, your shortcomings will fade as you enter His presence. 

Nehemiah told us, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength."

If you're struggling to find joy in your life, if you feel like your photos fall short of what you truly feel, I'd like to invite you join The Heartfelt Motherhood Project. We're a small group of Mommas trying to document our kindred stories of life with photos that express emotional truths. In other words, we're trying to keep it real, and capture beautiful photos along the way. I'd love for you to join us. After all...

Friendship is the finest balm,
Kat