We’re all a mess.

But guess what? That’s not actually the problem. That’s just life.

The problem is we’re in hiding, covered in makeup and perfectly filtered Instagram posts, showing off our cute mug of coffee with a pile of laundry behind us, as if laundry wasn’t an okay part of life. As if all our mess, the darkest corners of our hearts, were simply not okay. What if we could own up and be real with each other. Wouldn’t that be so freeing?

But before we get to the solution, let’s identify the problem.

There are basically two reasons that we keep our messiness, our stress, our worries, and our fears hidden within ourselves.

Problem #1: We have unrealistic standards for ourselves.

We hear over and over again that we should suck it up and work harder. The world tells us to never let them see us sweat. Facebook fills our minds with images of beautiful houses, happy marriages, best friendships, and dream vacations. It looks like everyone is having a lovely life ALL the time. Filtered Instagram photos show selfies in the most flattering light, but when WE look in the mirror it reflects every wrinkle and dark spot on our skin. We’re living a real, stressful often difficult, painful life in what seems like a Pinterest Perfect world.

Let me just lay out the truth right now. There is no perfect in this world. Nobody lives up to the outward image they present. We are all a bunch of messy, sinful people no matter how gorgeous our profile picture looks. And we only cause harm to our minds, bodies, and spirits when we lie to ourselves (and others) by trying to achieve such perfection.

Problem #2: We think our accomplishments and our human situation define us.

This human life is all we know, and it’s easy to get our identity wrapped in it. But in reality, we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. This world. This life. This body is simply chapter one. Our true identity is not as a human being, it’s as a child of God. Nothing that ever happens or doesn’t happen in this life will change that. So much of our story is yet unwritten. It’s like when you’re in high school and all the problems and worries and stress about high school feel like the weight of the world because it’s all you know. But what I know, and what teachers and parents know is that those 4 years are really just 4 short years. So it is with this entire life you lead.

Your life is not defined by high school or college or your job or your role as a wife or mother. Your life, your soul, your essence is defined by the creator of the Universe. He says you are beautiful and you are His, regardless of what you do, say or achieve. You are enough.

See ladies, there’s a solution. Jesus says to YOU, “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.”

I know it seems impossible, but it’s not impossible. Jesus says so!

What does an abundant life look like? Stay tuned for Part 2 of “UNDERCOVER MESS”.

XOXOXO,

Laura

For when my life crumbled, I learned what “Be Still” really means.
And I want you to know, too.