Let’s Start!

“The point is, if you can accomplish something, even a small thing, it gives you the boost to accomplish the mission… The most important part of a project or assignment is to finish. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you start.” – Madam Secretary

Yes, I’m a sucker for a good tv quote! I’m pretty sure that’s the only reason I watch(ed) shows like One Tree Hill, Grey’s Anatomy, and Madam Secretary… NOT that I’m invested in the storylines at all. Ha! 😉

At this point in the show, the Dad and college-aged daughter are sitting on the stairs discussing how she hasn’t started her mid-term project for her fashion design course. She’s scared that she doesn’t measure up to the other girls in her fashion design class, so she decided not to start anywhere. The Dad is giving her a pep talk, and it felt like I needed the pep talk!

Like the girl in the show, I just don’t feel like I’m measuring up to the standards of the world around me. 3o, single, no dates/boyfriend, living on my own and settled in my career. From the outside, it may appear that everything is fine, and when you ask me “how are you?”, I’m sure I’ve replied with “I’m good!”. That isn’t a lie – I’m really doing good! On the inside, I’ve been on a journey recently of self-exploration, self-awareness, self-improvement, relational improvement, continuing to grow in my faith, and learning to let God lead me in the direction that I must go next – maybe call this my “Awakening”!

As I’ve been reading and working my way through this book called Seated with Christ by Heather Holleman and hearing her speak at our women’s conference, I can’t help but be shaken. Shaken and awakened to what it means to be seated with Christ, not fighting for a seat at the table, but already honored with a place, a role, a purpose (based on Ephesians 2:6). I highly recommend the book, as I’ve been reading, underlining, starring, and journaling all over this book! It’s brought up questions like “Do I really need to measure up to the world’s standards?” “Do I need to be fighting for a seat at the table?” “What do I have that I can offer to the table?” “What is my role?”

As I read Hebrews 12:1-2, it all seems to be coming together for me as I think about starting somewhere, where I’m called, and running MY race.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

This season has called for laying aside every weight, and a sharp focus on Jesus! What am I laying aside? Fear, self-consciousness, self-reliance, and comparison. Right now, I don’t know the path to the finish line that He is calling me to, but I do know that I need to start somewhere!

What are you stepping out in faith to do to run your race or run your race well? Maybe you have something holding you back from stepping out or a sin weighing you down – lay it aside! Maybe it’s just stepping out of your comfort zone. Let’s go out and dare to take the next step in front of us!