Lenten blog series: impostor syndrome (week 5)

In last week’s post about impostor syndrome, I focused on how we arrived at our current spheres of influence. This week I invite reflection on what we’re doing with what we’ve been given. Impostors don’t typically have a (positive) effect with much depth or breadth. They can’t, because their energy is too self-focused: how do I continue to impress? Who is about to get close enough to see the real me? How do I use sleight of hand to prevent that? It’s true that we might ask similar questions of ourselves sometimes. But if we retain a heart for service, an outward orientation, we can have a big impact even when self-doubt gnaws at our inner being.

Consider, then:

What gifts do we bring to our settings, including the ways that we show up?

What does our ministry allow our settings to do that they couldn’t otherwise?

Where have we seen God at work through us?

Answering these questions is a spiritual discipline, an act of gratitude and connection.

I encourage you to create some sort of visual of your impact. Maybe it’s a list of all you bring to the settings you inhabit. Maybe it’s a painting or drawing that illustrates the gift of your presence. Maybe it’s a literal box with a bow on top and slips of paper inside that name all that you are and do, placed strategically where you can see it when needed. Pray over your visual, offering gratitude to God for your authentic self and asking for the courage to live it in ways that serve justice and peace.

If you liked this post, check out week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 of this series.

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash.