How often do you experience the feeling that you don’t know what you are doing? When we are growing and learning, this feeling often tags along. Last year, I submitted a letter of interest and was appointed to Brewster school board. I felt the “I don’t know what I’m doing” feeling for many months. Armed with a passion for education and an interest in serving Brewster, I began learning what a school board member does during meetings. I learned the little things, like where to sit (any open chair), and how to access the shared documents (thank google). I attended training and conferences to learn what my role is and how to make decisions best for the district. There are times I still feel like a newbie, but I am pleased with the progress I have made and the ways I assist in decision making.
I tell you this story to encourage you. Do the new things that require learning, growing, and making mistakes! Are you wavering to commit to something you want to do because you are insure you can do it? What if you simply begin and decide to be a student as you embark?
Decide not to allow insecurity to sway your decisions. Do you want to start a book cub, design your own house plans, or begin a side business? Do it, girl! We need women like you who are bold to start, humble to learn, and strong to stick it out when the commitment grows difficult.
If we hear the voice in our heads: someone else would be more qualified, then we can remember we shouldn’t be afraid to be a beginner. If we start before we are ready*, we can jump the first big hurdle of beginning. But, for a while we might feel like a fool.
Isn’t it normal to want to look good? (I mean something different then wearing cute earrings and colorful lipstick.) I am talking about how we want to appear intelligent, caring, and humorous. It feels good to look good. And when we think we don’t, it leaves us feeling insecure. But, looking good isn’t our highest goal.
Our big aim is to be good. The real you, the deepest part of yourself (the part that continues living after you die) should be good. We don’t reach this lofty goal solo. We need the One who made us to make us good. If we accept our place as daughter of the Highest King and come under His rulership, we are made whole, pure and good. In fact you are:
Chosen,
Accepted,
Adopted,
Appointed,
Valued,
Justified,
Reconciled,
Redeemed,
Righteous,
Free from Condemnation,
Holy,
Sealed,
Compete,
And Completely Forgiven!**
When we make decisions holding the understanding of who we are as a daughter of God, insecurity won’t be driving our choices. This makes us brave to be a beginner. We can risk looking foolish in order to grow and commit to new things.
There is a shift that occurs when we do good because of the good inside us instead of trying to look good. It’s a shift towards freedom. It’s a step in the direction of boldness. It’s a nod to the King and we show His goodness. It’s a firm shake to loosen the grasp of insecurity.
Remember who you are, and don’t be afraid to be a beginner in order to do good.
-Kassie Joy
*Author James Clear introduced me to this idea.
**This list is from Enough by Sharon Jaynes on page 31.
