Perfectly Imperfect

So earlier this year, I set out to be a better blogger. To me, that meant enhancing my influence on social media. I work in the social media marketing world so I should know this right? I can consult and direct others to do something all day long, but often fall short on taking my own advice (that’s another word for another day). Anyway, I really wanted to strategically enhance my Instagram account. And like many creatives, I set out to draw inspiration from similar pages. I stumbled across so many like-minded individuals that were flourishing on the gram. (Adults, that is an abbreviation of Instagram…you’re welcome). So many positive pages around inspiration, hair, beauty, lifestyle, fashion and more. Of course, I noticed that everyone seemed to have their own personal photographer. Every caption was intentional and vulnerably genuine. However, instead of drawing inspiration and motivation to revamp my own page, I began to sink into the Instagram sunken place. I began comparing my shortcomings to their successes and eventually became so discouraged that I could never reach this false sense of perfection that everyone had already achieved.

This comparison lead me to began to doubt my own talents and strengths. I almost gave in to thinking that I had to be just like them for more likes and followers — for approval. Slowly but surely, my eyes began to shift from the original plan of strengthening my blog. Do I too need to become a makeup guru? Do I too need to pick up an interest in fashion? Do I too need to start a natural hair journey? Nah fam. I definitely could do these things because they aren’t bad in and of themselves. The problem was the thought that I needed to change so drastically to meet a level of perfection that I created based on social media.

Taking this a step further, I often do this spiritually too. I make up my mind to strengthen my relationship with God. Striving for this false sense of perfection that I created for myself based on how other’s relationships with God seem to be. I begin comparing my shortcomings in the faith to their successes and eventually become discouraged that I could never reach what they seem to achieve so effortlessly. Instead of my eyes fixed of Christ, they become gazed on my peers and slowly my mindset shifts away from the original plan.

After journaling my frustrations to the Lord about this grief I bore, He gently assured that me that I am perfectly imperfect. Striving for perfection gets old really quickly because it’s a mark that we’ll never meet until Christ returns and completes our sanctification. Until then, there’s an odd sense of security resting in the fact that I am perfectly imperfect. As it pertains to my blogger presence, I make typos. Seriously, friends screenshot me portions of my blog that are in error. My pictures aren’t the greatest. My vocabulary may be limited. My topics may be cheesy. My captions may be lacking…according to other’s standards. And that’s okay.

In the same way, my quiet times will differ. My struggles will manifest. The blessings God has for me will come at a different time than yours. My faith walk will slightly differ from others and that’s okay. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are closer to God than I am. I have to remind myself that my eyes need to be fixed on Jesus, the only author and finisher of my faith.

I encourage you to voice your shortcomings to God and listen to what He says. He promises to be our comfort and security. I’m confident in the fact that He will gently assure you that your perfectly imperfect and that’s okay. You’re perfectly imperfect and He still loves you. You’re perfectly imperfect and He’ll always be there. Wow! What an awesome God!

Have you experienced something like this? Let me know in the comments!

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