Welcome to My Mess

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Have you ever held back from saying something because you didn’t want to draw attention to yourself? I did that to you on Wednesday.

I’m sorry.

Untitled6It’s not the first time I’ve done something like this. In fact, I used to do it all the time–like before I owned my own home. I love to entertain and I wanted to invite my friends over, but I was embarrassed of where I lived so I held back from hosting anything. And if my “humble abode” was a mess–which it often was because I didn’t really appreciate it the way I should have–I wouldn’t even let an unannounced visitor enter the door. Life is different now. I married a builder who has blessed me with a home I not only appreciate but absolutely enjoy. Even when life gets busy and the house gets out of order I am still willing to share my beautiful blessing with others.

I should have had that attitude on Wednesday. But instead, when my website updated itself and became a total chaotic mess of overlapping text, I decided not to write my blog because I didn’t want you to see it. Well, it’s still a work in progress but I have regained my confidence now and am ready to share my mess with you. “I am who I am” and I am going to practice what I preach:

Confidence is what makes a woman (or man!) beautiful. Liking yourself with all your flaws is what is likable. If we are called to love our neighbor as ourself and we do not love ourselves, we cannot obey that commandment very well then, can we? To not accept our faults and failures is to not love ourselves. And if we cannot accept our own shortcomings, how can we honestly accept others’ imperfections?

For me to hold back from giving to you what I have been asked to blog about, simply because I don’t like how I look, is selfish. My need to have my “home” perfect before I let you in isn’t humility; it is pride.

Maybe this is what Jesus meant when He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Some people won’t follow Christ because they think Christianity is no fun and has too many rules but, in reality, this wisdom is very liberating. If I deny my own need to be perfect and carry my shame like Christ did His cross (behind Him, not looking at it but continuing toward His purpose) what really happens is that I am FREE to BE me and LET others BE themselves. I can love others because I love myself.

THAT is what makes life beautiful!

If you, too, find yourself holding back from offering your heart or home (or website!) to others because you know you are a mess, I encourage you to put your confidence in the One who carried His cross for you. You don’t have to be perfect. Will you join me in laying down false humility and picking up the courage to invite others into our mess? Only when we are vulnerable and authentic with each other can we have true and satisfying relationships. I think it’s worth the risk, how about you? 

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com


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