The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

“I tried to be the hero for a day

But all my super powers failed to save

So I turned in my ego and my cape

I was made to fly, but not this way

You’re my hero

You’re the only One

Who is strong enough

You’re my hero

You always pick me up

Before I self destruct.”

 

These are lyrics from the song “Save Me” (by Steffany Gretzinger) and have been on my heart like crazy. I especially love how so honest & non-sugarcoated it is. Here’s the deal. We have an illness in the Body of Christ and it’s called faker-itis. This can look like pretending to be okay when you’re not, constantly striving to prove yourself, perfectionism, negative self talk, etc. After experiencing this illness, I was undoubtedly suffering from all of these symptoms. See, from the outside looking in, most people would have no idea that this was happening, because it doesn’t bring alarm until we’re at our worst, hitting rock bottom. Fatigue. Anxiety. Burnout. Maybe for you it’s not that dramatic, it’s not that extreme, but you know in your heart that you’re not living in the light, peace, or stability you so deeply crave. Well sister, I have a word for you. It’s uncomfortable, not very fun, & goes against everything our flesh wants sometimes…but it’s a huge key that we’re missing in this puzzle and that’s vulnerability.

 

Yes, I know, the despised & dreaded word that a lot of us women have marked off the list. But when you realize that the Creator & Savior of your soul sees it all already, & just wants you to give Him those places of hurt— the strength that your mind, body, soul, and spirit needs will come in fullness.

 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

 

We operate at our absolute best + strongest when we are operating from a place of rest, but I couldn’t even say how many days off I’ve had & got up to work the next day still not feeling it. Rest has two sides: physical and spiritual. & you can’t really have one without the other. In a world that praises & encourages hustle culture, both are normally super neglected. But here’s the thing— we have Jesus telling us to COME to Him and REST. Ahhh.. light. peace. stability. Let’s stop the glorification of hustle culture. We can accomplish so much more for him & his glory if we come from a place of rest.

 

Jesus is saying come to me, learn from me, I am peace & love, & you don’t have to put on that fake face. But so many of us just take that as a prayer, reading a verse or two, & done. He is SO much more personal than that. He wants to commune with you. He wants to show you His character and show you that there’s so much more to who He is, and He’s just waiting for you to put down the fake strength, be vulnerable, and tell Him about the real burdens you’re carrying.

 

The Lord is so kind and patient. But faker-itis won’t get you far with Him, yourself or anyone else. Let the walls down and give yourself permission to say, “I’m not okay.” “I have this need.” “I am struggling with this.” to the One who holds the keys to your freedom.