Growing BoldlySample

Belong Boldly

Some days we need a suit of armor to protect us in our workplace battles. Women often juggle performance scrutiny, gender inequities, and heightened competition as we navigate workplace dynamics. Many of us live behind a mask so coworkers won’t know too much or get too close. Yet we continually assess those around us. And something debilitating takes over when we compare ourselves to others and seek approval.

It’s called Imposter Syndrome: the overwhelming sense that––without our mask––we’re nothing more than an imposter at work or in life.

Imposter Syndrome wilts confidence and feeds these lies: “You don’t belong here. You’re not good enough. You’re nobody. No one cares about you.”

Many years ago, a working mom-to-be suffered from Imposter Syndrome. Her name was Hagar. While the cultural and social contexts of the story fan flames of injustice and mourning, the foundational truth stands firm: God see us. In challenges, heartache, and uncertainty, God sees you. He lovingly created you with talents for specific purpose in this season of life. He’s calling you today.

Hagar hated her circumstances so much that she ran away. But when she encountered God, she engaged in two-way, prayerful conversation. She experienced God’s grace and comfort. And she gave God the name El Roi, meaning “God sees me.”

The only person (man or woman) in all of Scripture to give God a name is this runaway, pregnant, Egyptian slave girl––an outsider by all standards of her day. Through her encounter, Hagar shut down the lies and believed God who says: “I see you. I love you. I’m calling you to this place. I’ll be with you always.”

Friends, our unchanging Lord wants us to build the foundation of our faith and daily work on these same truths. Jesus sees you and loves you. He created you with specific purpose for this season. And He’ll be with you always.

You belong in the sisterhood of Christ-followers. And you belong as Christ’s light-bearer in your workplace mission field. So, with faith-shields interlocked, let’s boldly step into who God created us to be.

Prayer

Almighty God, You see me and love me, even when darkness, isolation, and doubt creep in. Thank You that Your perfect love for me never changes. Grant me strength day-by-day to silence lies and remember I belong with You and the sisterhood of believers. Amen.