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For the people who need to remember their ‘why’....
For City-ish Girls who love Jesus but religious institutions never made them feel like enough…
For the visionary who is bomb AF but overthinks themself into depression…and has to do the dirty work of pulling themselves out of it alone because everyone thinks they have it together ….
For the ones that know rest is essential but feel guilty for taking a few moments just to breathe...because….capitalism
For the lover of love who learned that grief wasn’t exclusive to death but also can be experienced through the ending of relationships and the future love story you thought would come at a certain stage…
For the inspirer, the game changer, the motivator, the optimist, who stay true to themselves even in spite of the circumstances around you…
For the out of the box thinkers who dream big and are often having to protect their ideas from the dreamkillers…
For the person who is breathing and wakes up every day because God has an assignment..
I See YOU.
These are the words to the opening of the book that has been on my heart for the past decade but hasn’t seen the light of day. Why? The fear of criticism. Recently, I gave my first sermon, and although I struggled to accept it for what it was, I realized the importance of embracing our full selves. This journey is ongoing, but there are divine connections here on earth that can help us see our own power and potential. People are always watching, and let's analyze life as a spectator sport.
[Insert Favorite Sport Here] . . . There are four important watchers in your game.
The People In The Stands:
In any successful sport, there are fans in the stands. Some root for the team to win, accepting that there will always be ups and downs. They haven't given up on you yet, but they may not offer constructive ways to improve. On the other hand, some fans take your every move personally. They claim to be die-hard fans, but when you face a loss, they are quick to criticize and drag your name through the mud. As their voices often carry the loudest, we tend to shrink under their unwarranted judgment.
The Cheerleaders:
These are the people who will encourage you regardless of the outcome. They see your potential and go the extra mile with their support. The cheerleaders remind you to ignore the naysayers and doubters, helping you stay focused on the game no matter what.
The Teammates:
Teammates are the top-tier watchers - those who understand their roles and positions. Just like in football, whether on offense or defense, they are there to support you. They tackle obstacles with you and let you shine when you need to. Your teammates hold you accountable, both celebrating your touchdowns and challenging you when you're not reaching your full potential. Some teammates may come and go, but they honor their position while they're part of your journey.
The Coaches:
The coaches are the last set of people watching, guiding you from the trenches. They analyze the game with you, provide tips for improvement, and call out your untapped potential. Coaches are divinely assigned individuals who believe in your greatness. Settling is never an option when coaches are watching. Their guidance and unwavering support make them invaluable.
Now that you understand that people are always watching, it's time to give them a show. See yourself fully, affirm yourself, and speak positively over your life. This way, even if you find yourself in a season without anyone filling these roles, you know who you are and, most importantly, whose you are. Embrace your journey and remember, you've got this!
xoxo-
Lauren Jackson
