There may be some parts of you or your desires that are kept at bay while you dig deep into caring for your family and taking care of responsibilities in your work. Or maybe there are some new things you’ve been thinking about trying, but you feel a little out of your comfort zone doing so because it isn’t something that you would’ve considered your type of thing.
As you make more time for yourself as a working woman or mom or perhaps enter the empty nest stage, you will rediscover parts of you that have been hidden, as well as discover new parts of yourself you didn’t even know were waiting to be set free. When you trust Him, God’s freedom will fill you so that you can believe in yourself and be empowered to step out of your comfort zone.
By nature I am a very reserved, conservative person. This reflects not only in my mannerisms, but also in my wardrobe. For whatever reasons my mind made up, I used to always wear mostly wear black, navy, beige, and white tones when I dressed for church or professional events. It actually took some sort of tipping point to come to a formal decision to purchase some colors for my wardrobe.
On my birthday I found myself looking at 2 purses on my dresser that I bought because they were cute. But I never have used them out in public, though I know in the back of my mind I have wanted to. I think my conservative nature makes me try not to draw attention to myself or not to be comfortable being too playful or silly around strangers. I’m sure that is based in some limiting beliefs that I unknowingly adopted over the years.
So I’ve decided that this week I am going to pick one of the two purses that have been sitting on my dresser as decoration and use it and welcome any attention it brings — reframing that attention as opportunity to connect with and maybe bring some joy to others. I am going to start showing up more authentically in the world. Hmm which should I choose? The pink lobster purse I bought inspired by our vacation to Portland, Maine? The black cow purse inspired by my love of “moo cow” decorations?
Walk in God’s Freedom
We have freedom through Christ. Yet sometimes our own beliefs, thoughts, discomforts, or fears of what others may think or if we may get embarrassed keep us from stepping out of our comfort zones to be who we really are.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” ~Psalm 139:13-14 NIV
God created you and me just as we are, with all of our conservative professional sides, and our fun and silly sides. Our physical appearance, our voices, our mannerisms — all the differences are wonderfully made works of art hand picked and hand crafted. So we should stand up and step out in confidence and courage in all of our being and doing.
Your approval comes only from the Lord. If you are taking action–or no action–based on feelings of fear, doubt or others’ opinions, you are not walking in the God’s freedom that your loving Father intended. If what you desire is not ungodly and is not a true stumbling block to another, then seek God and practical support to renew your mind and claim freedom through Christ from these self-imposed limitations. If they are not already, they may hinder the fullness of the expression of your purpose.
Any season of life is the perfect time to either dive in deep or tip toe in carefully to explore, experiment and see who you are and are becoming with freedom through Christ. If you don’t want to go it alone, grab a family member or friend, or connect with someone new who would be a fit for what you are wanting to try, and reveal more of how God designed amazing you!
Christian Life Purpose Coaching Call to Action
What is one thing that you keep hidden in your inmost being that you would love to share with or show others, to experience God’s freedom instead of the bondage of limiting beliefs and self-conscious thoughts? What is a dream you have in your heart that you have been too doubtful to take a risk to breath life into?
