Take Inventory

I am taking inventory of the lies that I tell myself. Last week, there was a lot of subject verb disagreement. There were many lies that I have told myself. I need to keep them in the proper tense- in the past. Still, there are other lies that I am, actively, managing in the present

Let me clarify. I am learning, stretching, and growing daily.  It is hard to keep track of what is and what was. I am continually adjusting my thinking and shifting perspective as I have been able to understand more and more about who I am in Christ. 

The number one lie I tell myself is that my accomplishments are not that important and there is no need to share.

False Humility

I live my life with intensity but, historically, I make vague mention of my accomplishments.  I often attempt to fly below the radar by minimizing my work. I am working on fully embracing my gifts and letting my light shine. This morning I was listening to NCC daily and it compelled me further.

I went to Colgate University for undergrad.  The town of Hamilton is smaller than the town of Vestal where I grew up.  I planned to go to school in a big city.  My mom insisted that I go to Colgate.  It is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am grateful for her guidance. 

Colgate was the perfect place for me.  The campus is gorgeous.  I am very visual.  The rolling hills, the lake, the stream, the large Oak trees, and the architecture set the stage for my perfect collegiate adventure.  I made outstanding friends.  I had amazing teachers and coaches. 

I was a neuroscience major but I also took photography classes, language courses, founded a dance team, and played Division I volleyball. 

My volleyball team and coaches brought out the best in me. We won big. I am convinced that I had a better career at Colgate than I could have had anywhere else.  My coaches and teammates remain a large part of my life. 

I learned a lot about team and team work at Colgate. I am still unfolding a lot of those lessons today. Playing sports has been pivotal to my success. Some think it is just a game.

When it felt like everything fell apart- I went to the roots of my success to rebuild. It is said that success leaves clues.

My girlies and I frequent Colgate during preseason to make ourselves available to the current Colgate Volleyball Team. We support the current head coach. I want to remind the team of what they have access to at Colgate. Audrey was barely 3 months old when she was at her first preseason. She took naps on the court through the noise of practice.

After the loss of my husband, my team came through in a really big way and I will forever be appreciative.  From Cali to London, my girls and I were well loved.

Why am I sharing this? I have been blessed with exceptional experiences and people who have helped shape who I am today. It is because of my mother’s and her mother’s prayers that I am blessed with these extraordinary experiences that have refined my God given talents. I have been minimizing this. In doing that, I have not fully shared my gratitude for the abundance that God has given to me.

Furthermore, God gave them to me to share. I have been putting in the work. Afraid of the recognition and minimizing God’s work in and through my life. I must stand up and shine my light. I have invited God to use my talents and treasure to effect extraordinary change.

I am not defined by my challenges. I am shaped and refined in the overcoming and I am defined by Christ. God has given me the gift of managing complexities of large proportion with a lens of urgency and intention. I have down-played this. God has gifted me with nurturing long term relationships. I have shared this gift with few. I seek to be better.

Along with my time, I share my gifts with you. This is how I am called to effect change.

The fact is, I am who God says I am.

What is the number one lie you tell yourself?