Day 27: When enough needs a little help. A story about a metaphor.

We paired up at the request of our professor and sat outside on a bench. It was breezy but warm and the sun was out on that fine Portland day. We had spent a couple days hearing each others' stories, practicing coaching and speaking words of kindness. It was this day that I experienced what it's like when enough gets a little help. And it was an experience I'll never forget. 

If enough is truly enough, why would it need a little help? 

Each man and woman who is in Christ is offered a one-of-a-kind identity. It starts at conception when a completely unique disposition is created, a gift setting apart man as an image bearer of the Creator. It is then solidified at salvation through gifts of the Holy Spirit. This identity, these powerful words in Scripture should be enough. And yet...

The tension comes from what Brene Brown (A-mazing stuff coming from this wise woman!) refers to as the narrative in our heads, playing on repeat like a skipping record. It's all made up but is very believable. It's a message of shame, a message of doubt, a message that loves being kept secret. The result? Identity crisis. Eternally meaningful work neglected. 

The identity Christ has offered me is final. What he says about me is enough. BUT. Sometimes it needs a little encouragement. This is where the body of Christ comes in.

Let's go back to my day in Portland. Carolyn and I sat outside, quietly asking the Lord for a word of encouragement for the other. The assignment? To offer a metaphor in response to the two long days of hearing each others' stories. She smiled, looked into my eyes and gently spoke LIFE into my dry soul. Here was her metaphor to describe me:

You're in a giant row boat full of lots of people. You all have a common desire- to get to your desired location. You are all working hard together to make that happen. Yet your role is completely unique. Rather than facing the front of the boat and rowing with the crew, you are facing the opposite direction. Your eyes are not focused ahead, but glued on the faces of your teammates. Your goal? To keep your teammates rowing. You are cheering them on, calling them to give more, to keep rowing when they want to quit. You are speaking hope to them and they are working harder because of your words. 

 Remember, Katy, that your role looks different than others'. So you'll be tempted to compare their hard work with yours. But you just can't because you are doing different kinds of work and both are vital to the success of the crew. Your teammates need you. Don't compare, don't wish for another role, just get in that boat, look your team in the eye and do what you're made for. 

My {more than} enough, God-given identity needed a little help to get past the iron fortress of my self narrative. A little help came in the form of a sweet friend who was willing to hear me, tune into the Lord's heart, then breathe hopeful truth words. Words are one of the most powerful kingdom forces. 

The narrative in my head? Insecurity, feeling misunderstood, comparing myself to others, questioning my calling and value. 

My true identity? A leader, a cheerleader, exhorter, influencer, life-giver. 

Sometimes enough needs a little help. That's what we do for each other. And it's not just a nicety, it's the vital duty of each believer to listen for a true identity buried in lies, then ferociously help unearth what is true. I needed it, it changed me. I want to be that helper for others who may be struggling with identity crisis. What He says about us is enough, but sometimes it just needs a little help. For me it was a metaphor of a row boat.