I met a woman at the gym the other day and we really connected. As we ran side by side, each on our own treadmill, our conversation seamlessly carried on and on. I’d say about half way through my run an alarm went off in my mind, reminding me that I should take a break and use the bathroom. But I ignored the reminder and kept on running. So, here’s the deal: I’m going to be vulnerable and share that I’ve wrestled with a little issue many women face, but not too many discuss. Let’s call it: I’VE HAD THREE BABIES AND MY BODY ‘AINT THE SAME [Aka: Bladder Control]. Ok, there, I said it.
Do I dare finish the story? I’ll bet your capable of crafting a dramatic ending. So, yeah, I PEED MY PANTS, right there, at the public gym, on the treadmill.
<humiliation enters the scene>
The end.
Wait, I do have a meaningful application…I think. 🙂
Call me crazy, but don’t we all have issues? Issues we’d rather ignore: we think we’re doing fine, so let’s keep on running. But the truth is, these issues are deep seeded, below zero, and often play into almost every area of our living.
Here are a few common conditions: perhaps you identify with one or more.
- The need for certainty or the right to know.
- Comparing your grass to the greener one down the street.
- The need for more because it never feels like enough.
- Always worrying about what others think.
- Work productivity (list maker/checker) as a measure of success.
- The need for control, order and a constant plan.
Any of these sound an alarm for you? Yeah, me too.
I’ve been reading  DARING GREATLY by Brene’ Brown, a book all about vulnerability and the courage to live and lead a wholehearted life. In her book, Brene’ says,
“Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It means cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think…I am enough.”
We can nod and say yes to the definition of wholehearted living but, to actually live our lives in this fashion is something entirely different, right?
If we’re honest, admittedly, a lot of our issues often leave us feeling ashamed, afraid or confused. None the less, we’ve become masters of disguise, pros at running for cover. And the domino effect we face, over time, has a tendency to wreak havoc on our sense of worth. We live in a society of “never enough” and from the moment our feet hit the floor, we’re scrounging for our manna. Never enough sleep. Never enough money. Never enough attention. We live in a culture that screams YOU WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH.
So, what’s a person to do?
I believe that if we want to reclaim our worth, we’ve got to take pause from all the running, and start cultivating.
[Please hear me: running the race is oh-so-important. It’s our metaphorical mission, to run the good race, to keep on persevering. It’s in our DNA! My suggestion though is cause for pause. How much more could we receive, what more could we believe if we actually invested in listening to and understanding God’s heart for each one of us?]
Cultivating is a matter of tending to the “issue” by giving attention to it. Spending time with it. Digging up the earth around it. Writing a letter to it. Speaking to it, letting it speak to you. Soaking up wisdom in the ever loving Word of God [Think:Proverbs, Ecclesiastics, Song of Songs, Psalms..] And lastly, pulling the weeds.
I know a helluva lot about worthlessness. I’ve spent many-a-moons beneath the soil, digging for God loving truth. Know this, He’s got you right where He wants you. When Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and lear from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,”
He really meant it.
Did you know that you are worth far more than rubies? [Proverbs 31: 10]
And you are Chosen, Royal, Set Apart, and you, dear friend Belong to God! [1Peter 2:9]
If cultivating wholehearted living speaks to your heart today, please connect with me. I’d love to hear your story and pray with you. You are not alone in this race, not ever.