The prompt word for #FiveMinuteFriday and Day 14 of #write28days is confident. When I was very young I was pretty confident. Then, in my growing up years my confidence seemed to wane a bit. Throughout my adult life it has also been up and down.
It’s really only been in the last few years that my confidence has grown such that I’m not afraid to try new things. I’m not afraid of failure. Sure, it will come at times, but it’s okay if I don’t do things exactly right the first time. I can always try again.
What brought about this change and took away the fear of imperfection?
CONFIDENT IN THE LORD
In my opinion it is because my confidence is no longer in myself, but in God. Because my life is in His hands, I feel more free to move forward rather than cower behind. I can be vulnerable, because I know He is always with me and will never leave me alone.
Psalm 57:7-10 (NLT)
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
FRIENDS ALSO HELP BUILD CONFIDENCE
Even though I am confident and secure in Christ, it does help to have friends along the way to encourage.
Over five years ago, when I took up writing in earnest, I also joined an online writing group. On occasion we would critique each others work. But it was done in such a way as to encourage rather than tear down. We were not afraid to share our work, because the emphasis was that everyone had a voice, no matter how timid or small.
CONFIDENT BUT NOT PERFECT
Where once I would have been afraid to share my drawings or poetry until I was confident they were good enough, I now share from where I am. Maybe if others see my efforts it will encourage them not to be afraid to try.
Here are three tries to draw a face from a photograph. It’s still not perfect, but you can see the progression starting from the drawing in the top left of the left photo.
Even in matters of life regarding our families or work or recreation – it’s okay if we aren’t perfect or if we fail. There is much grace to offer ourselves and each other.
Tomorrow is a new day with more possibilities, and a chance to begin anew.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
CONFIDENT IN WORSHIP
Everything I do can be an act of worship and praise to the One who created me in His image. I want others to see Christ in me and awaken a desire in them to know Him.
As far as I know my fellow bloggers feel the same way. We want the world to know our Savior. Not everyone will like our message. But we can be confident in God, who will help us continue to bring truth and light even if our words are rejected.
2 Corinthians 4:5-6(CSB)
For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,
and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said,
“Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give
the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
You can find the rest of my series HERE.
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #Grace&Truth, #FreshMarketFriday
I see women doing a lot to of things they never could before. I think they are finding their confidence in Christ. I like drawing too but I know I’m a better writer, at least right now.
I agree, Rebecca, and I do believe it’s because of finding confidence in Christ. I want to do more drawing but haven’t had time for it. I’m a day behind in my writing for #write28days. But I might find time for some art today, too. Blessings to you!
His love gives me confidence to share about Him. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Yes, His love will never fail and He is always faithful. Blessings to you, Melissa!
Build up….not tear down…yes!
Yes! It’s so important to encourage each other rather than compete. We need to work together to shine forth the light of Christ. Blessings and love to you, dear Tara! xo
Dear Gayl,
Amen, yes, I want my words to point back to Him, and the confident hope I have in Him! I love that passage from Psalm 57 in the NLT. What a precious thought that His unfailing love is as high as the Heavens, and we can be confident in Him! I am also so glad that you so willingly share your artwork with us, all along the process. Blessings to you, my dear poet/sister/friend!
Dear Bettie,
Yes, I love that passage from Psalm 57. His love never fails and covers all. He is faithful and we can be confident that He will never leave us. I’m happy to share my art work, even if it isn’t polished. 🙂 Blessings right back to you, my dear poet/sister/friend! xoxo
Dear Gayl, it’s lovely to see your unpolished art work, free written thoughts and from the heart poetry. They do give others encouragement and confidence to share their own imperfect work. When I say “unpolished” and “imperfect” I’m referring to how we might perceive them ourselves. But others will take them just as they are and be blessed in the receiving. By the way, I actually love the first drawing more than the others. It’s got a certain unfinished loveliness about it that suggests far more than is seen. May you stay confident to share and keep inspiring others in the process. Blessings and love. xoxo
Dear Joy, thanks so much for your thoughts and encouragement. I’m glad you like the first one. I like it, too, it just didn’t look much like the photo I was copying. 🙂 But I love your thoughts about it. Having friends like you who are such encouragers will help me stay confident to continue sharing. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear friend! xoxo
Our confidences is definitely in Him.
Amen! I wouldn’t have much confidence without Him. Blessings to you, Mandy!
I love the growing confidence in each drawing! Good work!
And you inspired a poem. I hope you enjoy it.
The workers of the harvest day
need sure and confident hands
to ensure that the Good News may
reach all the distant lands.
Their numbers are too few
so their hearts take up the slack
to reach far hearts and bring new
hope to those whose days are black.
They labor on in peace and war
they work in pitiless heat
to bring the love of God before
every soul they meet.
They may live in want and fear,
but their wealth is not accounted here.
Thank you, Andrew. How cool that I inspired a poem from you! I love your poem So full of truth! Blessings to you!