This quote encompasses the journey of my life over the past year. From taking the risk to start a church in September 2010 to choosing to drop weight and re-define my body in March 2011 (didn’t really breakthrough until May 2011), every decision has not been because of anyone else but me, with God’s help.
As I think back over my life, I can reflect back on the number of decisions I have made based on what someone else thought would be a good idea. I have spent a lot of my life being apprehensive about trying new things because of other people. In other words, I had a HUGE problem with trying to please other people. Oftentimes I would or would not do things simply because of what other people said or didn’t say, did or did not do. In the end the only person left being miserable, frustrated and upset would be me.
The first lesson I had to really come to terms with is if I wanted to achieve anything significant in my life, I am responsible for making it happen. It would mean I would need to be delivered from people. I have always been driven but there has always been a part of me that allowed others to intimidate me or make me feel unsure of myself. But deep down inside, I always knew I had the ability to be and do more. The only thing that was stopping me was me. I needed to give myself permission to be the “me” that I was created to be. It would take moving out of state for a year and one ministry/career betrayal to cause me to make the decision to do something different. Now I am able to see, with clarity, “if it’s to be, it’s up to me”.
No one can keep us from maximizing our potential or reaching our destiny but the one who looks at us in the mirror. If God has called us to it, God will give us the ability to make it happen. Biblically, we see examples of those who had been called to great tasks or positioned for great blessings try to talk themselves (and God) out of it because of limitations they felt they had, sometimes based on the perceptions and activities of others. We must trust God enough and believe in ourselves enough to know it is not only possible that we can achieve greatness but it will happen if we stay the course.
I have chosen to stay the course and believe in myself, even through the ups and the downs. I can proudly say I have celebrated the 1st year anniversary of the church despite those who said I wouldn’t make it or shouldn’t do it. I have exceeded my goal, by 2lbs and counting, towards losing the 20lbs. I have stayed consistent and intensified my fitness regimen despite not thinking I could ever become physically fit. I will even run my 1st 5k on this coming Saturday. I can say I am proud of the accomplishments I have made towards my goals. It is all because I choose to believe and remind myself that “if it’s to be, it’s up to me”.
