Are you successful? There is a narrative going around today that many of us haven’t made it to the “top” of our fields because we weren’t willing to do whatever it took others to get there.
I don’t buy into this narrative. There are plenty of people who put in the necessary time and effort and don’t make it to the top.
To me, a successful person is someone who still shows up. She shows up when there isn’t anything in it for her. She is there for the people who need her. She gives back, even when it is hard.
There are so many women who keep our communities, families and companies glued together. They lead by example. They put in the same, if not more than, the amount of effort and dedication as the people who make it to the top.
Why do we value those who make it big? Why not give that type of consideration and recognition to the people in our lives who are “top” to us. Why not see yourself as a success by standards other than your bank account?
From a young age, we learn that success is based on income. This is a really shallow translation. There are so many other ways to judge success.
Think about the people in your life that you can always count on. What about the people who are closest and most important to you? Those individuals are the real success stories.
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
I don’t know about you, but I would rather those closest to me think I am a success than the people online who judge me by unattainable worldly standards.
I want to be a successful, authentic person to the people in my life. As I get older, I’m starting to realize that when it comes to judging success, money is not even on the list.
This is pure truth in Christ.
A couple statements really stood out. Your amazing reference about David being the real giant!! That is so true! What you said about allowing people in the past, you don’t even remember, to make detrimental imprints on your self worth, hit me in right in my soul! Your message has been life changing for me. Today is the day I will laugh in the face, of all those negative statements, that sometimes play in my head, coming from people I don’t even remember! Thank you for this huge truth! This scripture came to mind after reading your message!
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”