Imposter Syndrome

The Tour de France is one of the many things that has been canceled or delayed this year.  The three week race usually happens in July, but the 2020 edition happened in September.  Irishman, Sam Bennett, won the green sprinter's jersey.  (You can read all about the Tour and the various jerseys in my Lessons from the Peloton here and here.)

 

In an article from Cycling News, Sam talked about his emotions.  From teary eyed to joyful.  But this statement is what really caught my attention, "sometimes you can have a little bit of imposter syndrome that you don’t know if you’re good enough to be in this position."

 

Imposter Syndrome.  I've been chewing on those two words for several days now.  We notice when someone is puffed up with pride, but what about those who never accomplish anything because they don't feel they're good enough?  An article from Unlocking the Bible addressed Imposter Syndrome and Christianity.  The writer describes Imposter Syndrome:

The imposter syndrome is the name our culture has given to the constant feeling that you do not belong to your own community or that your accomplishments are illegitimate. Far from humility, this is an irrational state of paranoia that causes us to think of ourselves more as we think less of ourselves.  (source)

My Bible reading this week took me to the book of 1 Corinthians. Chapter 12 contains an interesting passage about the body of Christ and its members. Paul gives a clear illustration in verses 15 through 21:

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

It's interesting that Paul spends more time talking about the parts comparing themselves to another part. Only verse 21 talks about an eye or a head saying they don't need another part. How often do people get discouraged because they compare themselves to someone else? "Because I'm not the preacher, I'm not important to the body." "Because I'm not the head usher, I'm not important to the body." "Because I'm not..."

 

It would be an awfully strange looking body if it was entirely made up of eyes. God is the Designer. Just as He designed our bodies to function, so He designed each of us to function within the body of Christ. Be who God called you to be.  Grow your talent.  You are God's child and that's all you need to know to know that you do belong.

30 Days of Thanks - Day #24

I am thankful for my "Fellow Travelers on this Spiritual Journey."

That was the title of Pastor White's message Sunday night. It was excellent. (Pastor White doesn't preach duds in case you've ever wondered.) He talked about the people we travel through life with. How important it is to stay together. He also talked about animals that travel in herds and the importance of moving as one. Predators always seek out the animal that is not moving with the herd.

At the end of service, we didn't have an altar call. Pastor White encouraged us to spend time telling our fellow travelers what they mean to us, how they have helped us. Most of the time when we have those kinds of services I am on the platform playing or singing. Pastor White asked that only Sis. White go to the organ and it was refreshing for me to be able to participate. I appreciate my church family!

My fellow travelers don't stop in Burbank. I have dear friends in Fresno that I am extremely thankful for. I will only name one. She has known me longer than anyone except my own family. Sis. Irene Wilkinson has always been part of my life. I spent my first Christmas with her family because Rod was in the hospital. I saw her a couple of months ago and she never changes! I love her so much!

Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, Christian school teachers, church members, co-workers on the church staff, pastors and pastors' wives, fellow bloggers - all fellow travelers who have helped me along the way. People spread far and wide, across the country and around the world. We're all going somewhere together and it's great to be part of this family of God! I'm thankful for them (you) all!

Knowing Your Strengths

Twice this week Les and I have ridden on the Las Llayas Canyon Trail. I really like the first 3.5 miles, it's an average of 4% grade, some sandy areas, but nothing I can't handle. At the 3.5 mile mark is the "Y." At that point the trail takes an ugly turn and the grade quickly gets in double digits. I have gone about a mile further up the trail, but it is so hard, I really dread it! I can barely pedal, even in granny gear!

I tried something new when we rode on Tuesday. When we got to the "Y," I told Les to keep going. I then turned around, went about 2 miles down the trail, turned back around and came back to the "Y." This worked perfectly! The 2 miles of downhill gave my legs a chance to recover and I enjoyed the second time up even more. Meanwhile, Les got in a better workout as well.

We used the same strategy again this morning and I was pleased with my results. I can tell the ride is still pushing me, it's hard, but doable. I'm getting stronger and getting in lots of miles. But, I am not Les on the bike - he is so much stronger than me!

Do you find yourself silently "competing" with someone in life? Whether it's the type of car you drive or size home you own, the number of solos you sing in the choir or how many Sunday nights you play for service. Are you comparing yourself to someone else? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Just as it is not wise or reasonable to think that I can ride as strongly as Les, it is not wise to compare ourselves to anyone else. I am working on my own riding and handling skills. So must we all work on improving the talents and abilities that God has given us. Let your gift make room for itself. Proverbs 18:16 "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men."

If We Were All Eyes

My Bible reading recently took me to the book of 1 Corinthians. Chapter 12 contains an interesting passage about the body of Christ and its members. Paul gives such a clear illustration when he states in verses 15 through 21:

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

It's interesting that he spends more time talking about the parts comparing themselves to another part. Only verse 21 talks about an eye or a head saying they don't need another part. How often do people get discouraged because they compare themselves to someone else? "Because I'm not the preacher, I'm not important to the body." "Because I'm not the head usher, I'm not important to the body." "Because I'm not..."


It would be an awfully strange looking body if it was entirely made up of eyes. God is the designer. Just as He designed our bodies to function, so He designed each of us to function within the body of Christ. Be who God called you to be! Find joy in your calling, no matter how great or small.

Every talent, strength, and compassion is a gift of God.
- Mom's Bible