Bangs and Confidence

Bangs and Confidence

My Aunt posted this little gem on my Facebook timeline last January with the caption: “Some things never change, Happy Birthday, Alex!”
 
Thankfully she was not referring to my bangs.
 
In all honesty, when I look at the picture, I see so many changes.
For example, I no longer wear circus rompers with a collar (thanks Mom).
I also quit wearing elephants in any capacity really.
I have moved on from a denim purse, stylish as it was.
Standing in my Gramma’s kitchen (the room with more happy memories than I can count), is also a thing of the past.
 
My Aunt's words make me consider the ways I have stayed the same as that little girl – propping her hand on the cabinets like she owned the place – one hand on her hip – small but mighty. Bright Eyes. Confident. I remember that little girl fondly.
 
I most certainly was telling a story to the adults. Or sharing a “much-needed” opinion or idea. Never considering for a moment that I didn’t have a place at the proverbial table – that my presence or voice were not welcome.
 
Little Alexis didn’t question her voice or her presence in the room because she knew she was loved, welcome, and enjoyed.
My prayer is that every child could grow up with the confidence that comes from being loved and seen by their family.
 
As I look at the picture I remember a simpler time, in the kitchen, eyes bright and hopeful, and 100% ROCKING an outfit. And honestly, I grieve for a moment. I grieve the change – growing up is not for the faint of heart.
 
In the same breath I am REALLY thankful. I am thankful for the ways the Lord is refining me, purifying me. I praise Him for not letting me stay the same! I am thankful for the truth of the Gospel, that He who has started a good work in me will not stop until it is finished. I am thankful I am learning to be more patient than 4-year-old Alexis. Praise God for teaching me that just because I have an opinion, I do not have to share it. I am glad I have learned taking a power stance in someone else's kitchen is rarely a good idea.
 
But despite all that has changed – the confidence I see in that picture has not changed. My eyes are still bright and full of hope. But the source of said confidence and hope HAS changed. OH PRAISE GOD! While I am ever grateful for a family who continues to support and encourage me, my confidence does not come from them any longer. Now I stand in the confidence of Christ and the power of His blood. I am loved. welcomed, and enjoyed by the God of all. Wow. That inspires confidence.

Confidence that God goes before me and will never forsake me (Deut 31:8)
Confidence that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
Confidence that God’s plans for me are good, and full of hope. (Jer 29:11)
Confidence that in His love, God sent His son to save me (John 3:16)
Confidence I can go to Him and He hears me (1 John 5:14, Heb 4:16)
Confidence in the Authority He has given me (Luke 10:19, Ephesians 1:18-22)
 
My bangs are no more, but my confidence remains – even more because it is not I who lives but Christ who dwells in me (Gal 2:20).
 
The Apostle Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 3:4-6:
"We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life."

It is with this confidence – the confidence in the hope of our Savior – that I ask if you are living in the freedom and confidence that the Spirit of God gives. If you do not know, or would like to talk about it, I am so here for that. I will pray with and for you. (I recommend joining us for Chris' upcoming series on the Holy Spirit!)
 
And by the way, I am praying this confidence for your children daily. And I hope you will join me.
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