Pretty Imperfect

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Let’s not even pretend to be perfect

What is perfect? It’s a false ideal that ensnares us, traps us in a pit of self-doubt if we can’t reflect the image of perfection.

That’s why my motto is pretty imperfect. I’m beautiful in my imperfections. That is what life is about. The struggles that teach us, the pains that strengthen us. It’s not easy when you are going through times that try the soul. But it does end. The trick is where you place your hope, where you draw your strength from. And here is the best part of all, the more imperfect you are the more there is for you when you draw close to God. You don’t have to be the one with the good hairdo who looks as though they have never done a thing wrong in their life. If we were capable of doing no wrong than God wouldn’t have had to send Jesus to die for us. Now, don’t take that as an excuse to go buck wild. Remember resist Satan and he shall flee. Sin opens the door for pain to enter your life. We all may give in to our bad sides, some more than others. However, there’s room for growth in those moments so you can turn and help someone else.

God uses imperfect people

Being imperfect was almost a necessity for the disciples. Look at the great men and women of the Bible. There’s a lot of imperfect people there. Paul was dedicated to persecuting Christians before Jesus called to him.

This world is becoming more and more jaded towards all things Christian. Sometimes, may times, it can almost be embarrassing for younger people to identify with being Christian because they don’t want to be laughed at. Just look at Facebook memes. However, when you live your life a certain way, people notice, people stop laughing. You can be cool and be a Christian. You can still have cool hair colors, wear cool clothes, and be a fun person. So don’t get scared. Most importantly, don’t feel you can’t be a witness to Christ, or you can’t do what is in your heart because you think you aren’t good enough. With Jesus you have everything you need. We are perfected through Jesus. Hebrews 10:14 tells us, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Praise God!

Strength in our Weaknesses

Our weaknesses are also where our greatest strengths can be found. It’s where we can overcome, have faith, teach, show the world the goodness and might of God. I have a big mouth. I have to really keep it in check sometimes, but that same mouth has also stood up for what is right. In college I never backed down from my Christian beliefs and many time me being vocal gave others the courage to hold on to and stand up for their beliefs. I also have crooked teeth, I have been teased for it and also told it was cute. Maybe I’ll get braces, maybe not. I choose to own it and smile for the camera and speak when I have something to say and love myself and own my appearance. When I look in the mirror I see a daughter of God who is going to achieve her dreams. Yes, sometimes I see the zit on my forehead and I put on a mask, it I don’t feel about myself.

Do not let yourselves be trapped in the idea you have to be perfect, live up to some Instagram filtered version of how you think you should be. All filters off, you need to own yourself or someone else will. Define who you are and walk in the confidence that Jesus gives. Proverbs 3:26 says, “For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.” There is also a blessing in having confidence. Hebrews 10:35 tells us, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” Rewards are good, they’re even better when they come from God.

Own Yourself

So, take my motto, pretty imperfect and own yourself. Be confident in how you look, everything about your appearance. Don’t hide from photos. Speak up! Don’t be afraid to give your opinion, even to that loud mouth we all know that thinks their opinion is king of the hill. Go follow your dream and let the self-doubt and criticism be thrown out with the trash. So often I see people so hard on themselves when they have so much to offer. The biggest problem is that they don’t believe it. And you know what happens? Someone less qualified but more confident comes along and gets the job, the dream, the promotion. Confidence will take you places. Believe you can, because God said so. Remember the verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians4:13. God made you and he doesn’t make mistakes.

Be confident and not ashamed of it

There is nothing wrong in being confident and having a bit of an attitude. I’m not telling you to be arrogant or prideful. I, telling you to act like a child of the living God, to act like a person with a destiny, a person wonderfully d fearfully made. A person who is going to accomplish their goals so world watch out.

Here’s a tip to help you if you really struggle. Find a lot of inspiring quotes and images. Print those quotes and images. Hang those quotes and images everywhere. Put the, on your cupboards. Put them above your light switches. Stick them in your car. And most important, pray. Be an overcomer. When I feel weak I repeat Joshua 1:9, ”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Talk the hand of Jesus, square your shoulders, stand tall and move forward in joy and confidence.