Be free to be you

Viki Taylor, 11th Aug 2017
Tags: Life Blog Father God Individuality People's opinions

It used to take me four hours to get ready for a party, often longer. Outfits would be put on and then thrown to the corner of my bedroom when they didn't look as perfect as I expected them to.

I remember being invited to a fancy dress party and imagining really creative outfits; outfits that showed my ability to be innovative with little resources and stand out. But I never wore them. Instead I dressed as a sailor in a shop-bought, pretty yet simple dress, matching four other girls at the party.

I didn't want the looks from the girls who thought I was 'too much'.

Why? Because at some point between the excitement of getting ready and leaving for the party, I decided I didn't want any attention. I didn't want the looks from the girls who thought I was 'too much'. I didn't want to be talked about by people for 'trying too hard'. I didn't want to be the only one who made an effort.

My ability to imagine things and see them come to be was suppressed under the fear of being judged by the girls around me.

My creativity was hidden that night. My ability to imagine things and see them come to be was suppressed under the fear of being judged by the girls around me.

How often do we fear judgement? Fear that perhaps we are 'too much'?

How many times have you wanted to do something so much, but chosen not to through fear of others' opinions?

How often do we text our girlfriends asking "What are you wearing tonight?" just because we don't want to look different?

How often have we known the answer in class, but been reluctant to raise our hands incase we got it wrong?

How often have you not wanted to answer the knock at the front door because you hadn't done your makeup?

There is so much more to you than other people's judgments or comments.

I get it. I've been there. Some days I am still there. But let me tell you, there is so much more to you than other people's judgments or comments. You have been created for purpose. Not a purpose that begins at 20, or when you've left home and got married. You have purpose now, right in this very moment.

You have been created by a Creator. He created the stars, the ocean, mountains, puppies and Beyonce's voice, and he thought, "The world isn't complete without her." And then he created you.

You have beauty. A type of beauty that doesn't depend on having flawless skin or shiny hair, but beauty that takes home within your heart, and shines like a beam of sunshine when you smile.

• God is an artist who painted the sparkle in your eyes. 
• God is a musician who planned out every note of your crazy laugh. 
• God is a biologist who placed together your cells to create your intelligence.
• God is a life coach who gives you motivation to keep going. 
• God is a Father who decided that the world is a better place with you in it.

God had no doubts when he created you. He didn't change his mind or reject you for being exactly who you are - he made you that way.

So be 'too much'. Love extravagantly. Laugh crazily. Think creatively. Speak boldly. Pursue faithfully. Encourage unconditionally.

Empowered women, empower women.

Even if you feel less than, or not enough, know that you have been given identity and purpose much bigger than yourself. You have a role to play in this world, and that role begins by knowing whose you are. You are wonderfully made by a God who doesn't make mistakes.

So may I challenge you?

Next time you have a creative idea, pursue it without fear of other's discouraging comments.

Next time you have a creative idea, pursue it without fear of other's discouraging comments.

Next time you know the answer in class, raise your hand boldly without fear of mistake.

Next time you're getting ready for a party, put down the sailor dress and know that your worth doesn't change based on other's ability to see it.