“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16
My husband is in the process of building a shed in our backyard which is taking a little longer than expected considering all the rain we have experienced these last few weeks and the busyness that comes with having four kids with active schedules. But I’m not complaining because I know the chaotic days are what I will miss most.
But, according to our 8-year-old daughter, there is no need to hurry and finish this project. She is just fine having the garage packed with her dad’s tools and lawn equipment in order to transform this piece of ordinary wood into a magical stage where she belts out her favorite songs, twirls, and dances while creating her own fairy tale where she is the princess of the story.
Remember those days when your imagination would run wild. When you would sing, dance and dream without a care in the world. When you actually wanted to be seen. There was no shame. There was no thought of shrinking back or playing it safe. When you failed you didn’t beat yourself up you just tried again. When your performance was pure and innocent and an expression of who and what was inside of you. This was before you learned how to hide, protect and learn how to act, what to say in order to gain approval and fit in with the crowd or allow people to make you in the image of who they thought you needed to be.
Obviously, we cannot go back to the days of our youth before we experienced hurt, rejection, criticism, and abuse. Before we learned manipulation, control and giving up part of ourselves in order to be accepted and loved.
However, we do have the power to retell ourselves a new story. To get back on the platform or like the famous words from Brene Brown, “get in the area and don’t be afraid to get your ass kicked.”
I’m not sure what this platform or arena looks like for you. This could mean fighting for your marriage, being involved parents which includes having tough conversations,creating boundaries, saying no, maybe saying yes, staring that new business, quitting your job to stay home with the kids, going back to work, taking out a student loan in order to finish your education, joining a gym, take a chance and start dating again, or speaking up and taking a stand when it comes to sensitive and controversial issues. But whatever your thing may be, belong to you and know who God says you are. You are the princess of your story. Own your power. Be free to dance, twirl and allow your heart to sing again.
As you get back out on your platform, know you will fail. People will leave you. There will be days of loneliness. You will doubt. You will be criticized. You will want to quit. You will shed many tears. But if you stay true to who God created you to be, there will be a day you will look back on your life knowing you lived a life worth living leaving a legacy of courage to the people you love the most.
Friend, give the gift of courage by allowing your light to shine leading you to live your best life starting now.
