WHAT BURDENS YOU?
WHAT BURDENS YOU?
Recently, I presented this question to a group of young women. The girls had inquired, “How do you know your purpose?” I responded, “What burdens you?” What issue or concern pushes you to take action? What problem calls to you and drives you to do something more, to step out and make a difference? What has been placed on your heart?
What Burdens Me
I shared with the group what burdens me – young girls lacking confidence and self-esteem. Young women who, for whatever reason, do not realize their value, and we all have value. We all have a purpose. We were created for a purpose. How we live and act reflects how we perceive ourselves. It’s actually much deeper than I wish to go into at this time, but let’s get real. We can either believe what society imposes on us about who we should be, or we can trust God and His Word.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT)
God-confidence
My confidence is in the Lord. I have God-confidence. I pray your hope and your confidence is placed in the Lord as well. His words and promises should impact our lives. We should seek Him and base our beliefs about ourselves on His Word and not the word of those around us.
There are many influencers around us with messages about who or what we need to be popular or successful. Messages found on our phones, iPads, computers, televisions, or magazines (I think you still read magazines). Pictures and words saturate our minds with what we need to be or do to find happiness and contentment, and this is far from the truth.
Based on a True Story
I’m not saying all influencers have an agenda or hidden motives. But I am urging you to look into a person (group or community) before allowing them access to your thoughts. Ask yourself, what are their beliefs? Are they credible? Who influences them? What are their qualifications? One thing I know for sure is that with social media and the internet, we can create or be whoever we wish to be…we just need an account, photos, and lots of filtering techniques to create our story.
Occasionally, I run across a blog or social media account and would like to add the tagline “based on a true story.” We all have a story to tell, but it’s important to tell the true story when sharing. Let’s build trust, not just followers. You may be following someone you think you know, but how well do you really know them?
Let’s Not Dilute Our Story
Whether you are the influencer or the follower, let’s not dilute the truth. Let’s not dilute our story.
“But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it. So whether you heard it from me or from those others, it’s all the same: We spoke God’s truth and you entrusted your lives.” 1 Corinthians 15:10-11 (MSG)
Influencers
When we speak God’s truth, we are a positive influence. To influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. These are some rather powerful words. Influencers can impact our character, development, and behavior.
Take a moment to reflect on who you are allowing to influence you. Who’s making an impact on your character development or behavior? If you’re not feeling good about yourself, you may want to change your group of friends or influencers. Don’t spend time with anyone who makes you question who you are or your value.
“I shall come again for I like myself when I am with you.” Unknown
This quote was shared by a Sister from Barry University. I was a graduate student, and the impact of these words has stayed with me for many years. I use this quote to assess my circumstances. If I’m surrounded by people who affirm and believe in me, I will enjoy myself. If I leave the company of friends and doubt myself, or if I am hesitant to be the real Robin, I need to reconsider the time I spend with them and why I fill my time with them.
MEfluencers
As we spend time with influencers, we may start to make comparisons. This type of judgment can damage our self-image in an instant. It doesn’t take long for thoughts to develop, and you begin to believe you are less than or not good enough.
Many influencers, also known as MEfluencers, have a huge impact on young adults. The impact is so astounding that many young adults follow the influencers and believe that if they dress, speak or act like the influencer, their value and self-worth will improve. Unfortunately, this perception is far from the truth.
Filtering Life
When we begin to emulate an influencer in hopes of becoming popular or gaining notoriety, we are no longer living out our purpose. When we alter our lives based on someone else’s life, we are no longer true to ourselves. We are diluting our story. What we tend to forget is that the person we are following could possibly be altering or filtering their life as much as we are beginning to alter our lives!
It’s much like a performance. The stage is set, props are used, and filters manipulate the picture to create what seems like the perfect life. The moment the photo is snapped, the influencer steps back into the real world just like you and me.
When we admire the photos and the life of the influencer, we must remember that it’s all done with the sole purpose of building a following, because followers are big money. The more followers, the more campaigns, and the more advertisers are willing to pay for product sponsorship. And, guess who is buying the products? You hope to become the person you are following. Get the picture? (pun intended).
Authentic YOU!
In some cases, I can guess who a blogger is following based on their writing style, IG theme, or language. Yes, we are that readable when we are not our authentic selves. There’s a lot of talk about authenticity, but just how authentic are we being when we begin to change into someone just because we believe we will be liked or popular if we dress or act like A, B, or C?
What burdens me? Seeing amazing young women who believe they are not enough. Before you change who you are, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your gifts and uniqueness. We are all created with individual gifts and distinct qualities.
Before deciding you’re not enough, take time to reflect on your specialness. I believe you’ll be surprised at just how much you have to offer, and when you are authentic, you build genuine relationships.
It really is true; the truth sets us free. Let’s celebrate our individuality and shine as we were created to shine!
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
