Self-Confidence?

Today at church, our pastor spoke about something that I think is very important. It has been on my heart for a while. I used to compare myself to others a lot. I would think, "If only I was as good at (fill in the black) as so and so," or "If only I looked like so and so." It was not until after my second child was born (you know, when your stomach looks like a deflated balloon and you feel so blah) that God helped me to see that He made me the way I am for a purpose, and he made "so and so" for a purpose. My purpose is not going to be the same as anyone else. We are here to serve God and do His work. Whether I am tall or short, a professional ballerina or I have two left feet, or my skin is black, white, blue, green, or purple, I am perfectly made to fulfill my purpose.
 We should not be concerned with our self-confidence or self-esteem. Our confidence should be in God, not in ourselves.  If we have "low self-esteem" it is because we are lacking faith in God. Wishing that something about ourselves was different is questioning God, and God does not make mistakes. We need to be content and not want what someone else has (Remember the 10 Commandments, "Thou shalt not covet.") Instead of complaining about what we don't have and making excuses, we need to take responsibility and make the most out of what God has given us. We need to try our very best at whatever we are a part of and be thankful for the way God made us.
Our society is very focused on looking a certain way, having certain things, and being good at certain things. I think if more people put their focus on God, instead of themselves, and took responsibility for things they can change, then we wouldn't have many of the issues we have today.
I could go on and on, but I am trying to sum up my thoughts. I hope I'm not too scatter-brained to get my point across. I am by no means perfect in this area; I definitely need to be reminded I am here to please God, not other people, and he made me special the way that I am. This is something I feel strongly about and something I hope to instill in my children. (If you have young kids, I recommend the Veggie Tales movie "Princess and the Pop Star". It's geared more towards little girls, but the message is beneficial for boys too.)

Speaking of my children... I am teaching my four-year-old how to take pictures with my camera (even though photography is not one of my talents, haha). He took my outfit picture today.

Skirt: Target $11.32

Belt: Anderson Creek Thrift Store $1

Shirt: Old Navy $5 (old)

Shoes: Plato's Closet $6

Straw Clutch: Old Navy (super old) $5

Earrings: Old Navy $1.31

Bracelet: Target $5.35

Total: $34.98

 



 

The reason I do outfit posts is because I feel like God has given me a gift of being able to put together nice outfits for not much money. I would actually prefer to not be in the picture, but it's hard to show outfits without a person to wear them (I pretty much only have one pose. Modeling is not one of my talents, haha). I just try to make the most out of what God has given me.

 I hope you all know how special and wonderful you are and I hope you are thankful for the many blessings and talents God has given you.

 

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13-14