Because of the way I live my life, I’m a stay at home mom, work at home mom, and a few other hats I wear, I get stereo-typed up and down, sideways and backways, front to back, and everything in between.
I Am Not Who Others Say I Am
Some people look at my life and say, “Wow, she’s got it all together. She’s successful. She’s amazing.” Yet others say how dumb I am for providing for my kids online. How I need to get a REAL job and stop messing around.
But, I have learned something.
I am not who others say I am. I am who GOD says I am.
God says I’m a mess. He says I DON’T have everything all together. That I sin. That I don’t measure up to His standards and am in desperate need of a Savior, which I’m so thankful beyond words I have. He says that I CAN be a stay at home mom, work at home mom, etc. because He provides for me every single day.
Everyone is going to have something to say about you. How much does it matter to you?
My absolute favorite cartoon in the whole entire world is the Wemmicks series by Max Lucado. It’s the one called “You Are Special.” If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.
Every day, the people in the town would give the wooden wemmick a gray dot sticker, signifying his “loserness.” One day, he meets a girl who has no stickers. He is greatly intrigued and asks her why.
She tells him she goes to see Eli, the woodcutter, every day and that he should go see Eli if he wants to know the answer to his question.
He goes to see Eli (symbolizing Christ).
Still to this day, Eli’s words ring in my head loud and clear. “What they say doesn’t matter; what they say about you doesn’t matter. It only matters what I think, and I think you’re great. The stickers only stick if you let them.”
The message is that it doesn’t matter what others think. You stand before God. It’s His opinion of you that matters.
I was always a person who cared so much what other people thought of me before seeing that cartoon. And though I don’t claim perfection in the least bit, it shaped me into the person I am today.
I am not who others say I am. I am who GOD says I am!
Like me or hate me, I am God’s creation. Everything I know, everything I am, everything I ever will be, is because of His grace and His mercy and His love.
I am God’s child. That’s who I am.
What stereo-types do you face? How do you overcome them?
Melody Maynard says
I love Max Lucado’s books, too, Sarah! I am so glad that you’ve decided to just be yourself. However you choose to provide for your family is between you and God. I don’t understand how encouraging countless women and making money doing it could be considered anything other than a “real job”. Keep on keeping on 🙂
Sarah Titus says
Thank you Melody. 🙂 Yes, always pressing on toward the prize of the upward call of Christ. <3
Deborah A. says
Thank you! I needed that. You described me to a “T”. I am 63 and still struggle with everything you wrote. Actually, I have been self-employed most of my life, but 2 years took a job working with PEOPLE 8 hrs a day–gasp , so I am dealing with situations that I never have before. I am “growing” through it, but it isn’t easy. I feel that I have to meet everyone’s demands/criteria and I want to Go Home and stay there, but right now that isn’t an option. I have to pray & seek God’s help & strength.
Sarah Titus says
Praying for your strength and courage as well. 2 Timothy 1:17 would be a wonderful verse to memorize to help. 🙂
Junko C. says
Sarah, your blog is such encouragement to many! I am what God says I am! That is exactly what I confess every morning! As a first born, I always tried to be a good daughter to be liked and accepted by my parents, teachers, and friends. I am glad that I’ve been shown a way out through the cross. I wish all people will know this freedom! Blessings!
Sarah Titus says
Very true Junko. Thank you for sharing. <3
Rose says
I love your thought Sarah. Today God reminded me He loves me just the way I am because that’s who He created me to be 🙂 I am weak but He makes me strong, I might be unnoticeable, but He’s been paying attention to me even since before I was born.
Thank you for your words Sarah. God bless you and your family. Keep being who you are. You are an instrument of God.
Sarah Titus says
Thank you Rose. <3 I love what you said about Him paying attention to you since before you were even born. So true!