Do It Scared

Today is the first post for my new blog. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I’ve been intimidated to begin posting my thoughts for all to see. Each day when I log on, my blog tells me I haven’t posted anything yet. This morning as I sat at my computer, I began procrastinating as I noticed the post button taunting me once again. Looking through some papers I had printed for safekeeping, one in particular jumped out at me and I began reading.

 It was the Clifton Strengthsfinder assessment. This is a test developed by The Gallup Organization which detects your dominant strengths and behaviors, or signature themes as they put it, in order to better yourself in your area of strengths. As I read my top five I was amazed how accurate this test is. My number one behavior is Input, meaning I am inquisitive and like to collect things, such as information, quotes, books, etc. From there it went to Belief, Responsibility, Focus and Communication. I do have a strong belief system and am dependable, almost to a fault sometimes. I am also goal oriented and love to communicate by bringing things to life for others.

All of the descriptions were spot-on. As I pondered this I happened to looked at the date, October 1, 2008. Exactly four years ago today I took that assessment. I don’t think it’s a coincidence I noticed that date today. I’ve been struggling with this calling to speak and write for a little over one year now. As I’ve taken steps to learn the craft and delve into the tasks required to launch this ministry I am completely overwhelmed. I’ll admit it. This whole thing scares me to death. I keep telling God I’m not a writer or a speaker, I’m an architect. And then He shows me at my greatest point of weakness where my strengths lie. He knew what He was doing when He created me: I love to collect words; what I do in life must be meaningful; I feel bound to follow things through to completion; I constantly make lists in order to focus; I strive to communicate in such a way as to inspire others.

As I look over this list, I am humbled to see these are qualities of a good writer and speaker. God has been preparing me all along for this journey. I feel as ill-equipped as Moses pointing out to God He must have the wrong guy (or girl). But God is insulted when we don’t believe Him. We are not fulfilling our purpose when we tell God we aren’t capable and refuse to follow His will. He knows how incapable we are. That’s the point. We cannot do this without Him. But He has and will equip us for whatever  He calls us to do. We must learn to trust and obey, even if we have to do it scared. After all, God really does know what He’s doing.

Have a blessed day~ Carol

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  ~Isaiah 41:10              

If you are interested in finding your own strengths, check out the book Strength’s Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath and use the online access code to take the assessment