BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW
One of the most difficult things to do is to go shopping with my daughter. I can almost guarantee that anything I pick out for her will more than likely be dismissed. She reminds me that she’s not a little girl anymore and that her style has changed. It’s not that I want her to look like a child but in my mind, I think I know what looks good on her.
What I love about my daughter is that she is very clear on what she wants. She’s clear on her abilities and what is important to her. For my child, she cares about what I think but she has realized that her journey is one she must take with God for her life.
As parents, we do the best we can while they are young to guide and direct them but when they are adults, they ultimately make decisions that are best for them. Many of us forget this adding our own wishes, dreams and hopes on our children only to create disappointment and friction in the relationship. Many of us are not fulfilled because WE are still carrying the baggage, beliefs, and bondage of our past which keeps us weighted down from really obtaining God’s best for our lives.
It’s very easy to allow the thoughts and opinions of others to impact your decision making. It’s important to know yourself and to be clear on what God has given you and told you to do. In 1 Samuel 17, the story of David is one that illustrates the importance of knowing who you are and whose you are. “When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” 29”Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” David could have easily allowed his brother’s perspective to cloud the way he saw himself.
Despite the fear of others and his brother’s point of view, David persisted and told Saul he was available to fight Goliath. “33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.” Once again, Saul was paying attention to David’s outer appearance discouraging him from moving forward. David could have listened to him as well, but he knew his purpose.
In addition to dealing with other’s perception of his ability, David knew that God had prepared him for such a moment. He knew that God did not waste any of his experiences and that they would be used. For many of us, we doubt our abilities and allow others to place on us their limitations and expectations. David shared with Saul his experiences in killing bears and lions which gave him the experience to take down another beast in his path.
He stated, “37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
We know how the story ends. David kills Goliath using his knowledge and experience, but most importantly, trusting God. David could have easily worn the armor given to him, but he understood that it didn’t fit. It limited his movement, and it was unfamiliar. What are you allowing to be placed on you that doesn’t fit or serve you well? There may be opportunities available for you but because of the perceptions, family history, or your past—you are allowing those variables to weigh you down from walking into your purpose.
You are second guessing God and yourself. God has an amazing life for you with many giants that will come your way. Don’t allow the baggage or perceptions of others keep you from moving forward. With God, you can slay many giants trusting God’s plan and purpose for your life and being who God authentically created you to be.
Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the host of the Tapestry Podcast and the author of three books for women. She is also the Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas. To learn more, visit drfroswa.com.
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