Coming up as a young woman, the perception I had of myself was based on the way you see me. “You” could have been anyone. Teachers, coaches, friends, and family, all developed how I viewed myself. I took their observation of me and made it my own.
I believed I was a good athlete because my coach told me so. I believed I had a knack for ratios because my math teacher Miss Yates announced it to the entire class. In reality I had a difficult time with math, but after she told the class that I was the expert, I scored highly on my tests. She was so wise.
Unfortunately not everyone gives us such positive reflections. The way you see me could have a negative twist. In the eyes of some I am beautiful. In the eyes of others I am a simple plain Jane. Some look at me and see no talent, while others believe I can fly.
I could never change the opinion of people, although I wasted precious time and energy attempting to do so. I did, however, have the power to change me.
It was time to step away from the way you see me. To get what I wanted out of life and find contentment, I had to search within myself to answer the question, “Who am I?” Otherwise, I would be eternally bound by the opinions of others and my purpose for living would be unsure.
It was time to get to know who I really am…the good…the bad…the ugly…and the beautiful.
All truths about me are hinged on two facts. First, I am nothing without Christ. Second, I can do all things through Him.
Searching the essence of me and loving all that I find good, has helped me to become a more secure woman of God. Holding a magnifying glass to my own soul stabilized my esteem. It has depreciated the value of how others see me. Even when I am praised for being good, I know that if I take my eyes off of Christ, I will fail.
Today, the attributes of who I am are still being revealed. I am open to the critique others, but one thing has changed. The way you see me (whoever comes or goes from my life) does not solely define who I am or what I shall be. I see me, as God sees me. This is truth.
-Candra Brightwell-Evans
How has the the way others see you affected your life? What more can we gain by seeing ourselves through the eyes of God?
You Have It In You!: Empowered To Do The Impossible
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