"From Pity Party to Praise: Fighting Back Against Discouragement"

Can I be honest with you today? 

I’ve been struggling this week. Maybe you can relate? 

The days have been overcast and gloomy.

My doctor is doing some investigative tests — hopefully nothing major — but it means I have to cancel my participation in our church mission trip to Thailand. 

I'm also wrestling with imposter syndrome and comparing myself in this writing journey. I recently participated in a virtual conference and felt I had missed the mark. Everyone else seemed so professional, so poised, and polished. It seemed everyone’s message was more spiritual, funnier, or slicker than mine. They were the elegant swans, and I felt like the ugly duckling. Comparison is the thief of joy.

Of course, my rational mind knows this isn’t true.  Just this past month, I sold my first article to a US magazine. And, had my first paid speaking event at a local women’s conference. These milestones are incredible achievements for someone who only started writing a simple blog a few years ago - and I’m thrilled!  However, feelings don’t always listen to reason. 

Then I realized this was probably a spiritual attack on my writing ministry - the enemy doesn’t want me to write about the love of God in my life or share the hope of heaven about Jesus. So I decided I needed to take back my joy, straighten out my attitude, and abandon my pity party. 

I loudly prayed against the attack and proclaimed my victory! Thankfully, I was alone in the living room and only startled the cat from his nap! Hahaha. 

I put on praise music, took a large drink of water, and went outside for a brisk walk. I decided not to let the gloomy day and the discouragement keep me down. Our feelings are real, but they can be temperamental. 

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

I thank God for the opportunities that have been given to me—to write, to speak, to meet some incredible women around the globe who teach, coach, and share their talents and ministries with me. I have been encouraged to see the words I’ve written touch hearts. To see the words I’ve spoken deeply resonate with other women who need to hear the messages God has given me—through my life, experiences, and stories. The hope of heaven in our difficult circumstances.

I know the sun will shine again. My medical issues will be resolved. I will travel again someday. The other writers and speakers encourage, challenge, and excite me to keep writing and speaking—continuing to improve and grow

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And, I know that God is with me in the words I write and speak to touch the hearts of women who need to hear the message of hope.

I won’t let the fear of comparison or imposter syndrome keep me from continuing in the calling to write, speak, and encourage others. 

How can I encourage you today? I would love to pray for you.