Perhaps you should reconsider.
On vacation in Puerto Rico, the plan was to ring in my 40’s with an adventure. As I made arrangements for waterfall rappelling and zip lining, the subject of weight came up. They wanted to know who in our party was over 200 pounds.
Oh, that’s me.
She paused, then explained how she doubted my ability to handle the rigors of the experience. I shared I was a runner and quite fit. She wasn’t convinced.
Undaunted, I stuck to the plan. But her words left a mark. I woke the next morning terrified of what might happen, and doubtful of my ability.
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
Many versions of this question spread around the country via coaches, motivational speakers, and pastors. They tell stories of the “unlikely.” The unlikely are folks who overcame insurmountable odds and accomplished what they said was impossible. Suddenly, a pipe dream became the floor of the monument they’d build upon the rest of their lives. The potential for failure is now a check mark, achieved by the unlikely.
Who are you to desire greatness?
Rather than using achievements of the unlikely for momentum, we often choose to agree with fear. Well-meaning folks who decide it’s their duty to help us avoid disappointment. We entertain them until it sounds like our own voice.
But how exactly does that work? Is fear-motivated thinking a fair exchange for hope? It would appear that disappointment is okay, as long as it’s not at the expense of our own time and hands. Not true.
Who are “they” to dull your shine?
Granted, we love “they.” We believe in their good intentions and pure motives. However, when it comes to vision and goals, we should treat certain responses as hostile. For example, loving attempts to protect you from rejection can shield you from being accepted. Suggesting you fit in hinders you from shining, standing out to lead a movement.
When “they” are enemies or so-called pundits, it’s easier to to ignore the shouts. But it takes courage and resolve to ignore whispers of people who genuinely love you. Get quiet and listen for the ones who question, “Who are they?” Hold them close.
Shine on!
The time is now. Choose to live like the unlikely. Aim high. Try new things. Give it your all. Decide to have faith in being God’s handiwork, created to do good things prepared just for you. There will always be voices yelling from the sidelines. Tune into the cheers and block out the rest.
Yowzers!!! Good read!
LOL, Thanks so much!
I love your writing.
Thanks so much, Darlin!!!
Excellent Lisa! Hear Him, and follow Him.
Thanks so much, Amanda!
Hi Lisa, I’m a little slow in responding but I wanted to reply to your post-birthday celebration post. I recently attended a bible study where the pastor talked about removing some weights in our lives. I concluded that one of the weights in my life was trying to please people. Always trying to make other people happy at my expense. In reading this post about your trip to Puerto Rico and being made to feel some kind of way about your weight, is a weight on your life. You are who God made you to be. He knew before the foundation of the world that you would be Lisa at whatever your weight is, in Puerto Rico, on your 40th birthday, talking to this person. We know that He did not make a mistake. Whomever tried to intimidate you, does not realize that you are a child of the Most High God. I had to learn to love myself and remove the weights from my life. With this said I would love to just see more posts on loving what God has done in you. If you do the possible, trust God to do the impossible.
What an awesome encouragement, Ms. Felecia! 5 years later, I remember that trip fondly, and the fear of rappelling off a cliff and zip lining make for funny stories! Thank you for your words and for your post suggestion. I hope you’ll enjoy this week’s! xoxo