'Good' Judgment(s)

Yesterday, I took Sophie to a Volleyball Clinic over in Seaford. It’s something that she has been wanting to do for a while now. A friend told us about this class last week and in the days leading up to it, Sophie couldn’t stop talking about it. Yet as we walked into the building, several families walked in with older girls passing us by. Sophie began getting nervous.

As we grew closer to the gym you could hear the girls inside. Their voices were getting louder. Suddenly Sophie stopped and began to cry. She didn’t want to go in. I asked her what was wrong and she replied, “What if they are better than me?” “I’ve never done this before.” “They have all played and they are bigger.” “I will be terrible because I don’t know what to do.” Leaning close to her face, I started trying to console her and encourage her. After all, fear is normal right? Everyone feels that way from time to time. I kindly reminded her that some of the things that she just said were lies. She didn’t really know IF those girls were better or had played before. She didn’t really know if she would be bad. I know the words that came after were God inspired when I said, you’re making judgments about those ladies out there and against yourself. The Bible tells us that judging others is sin. (John 7:24) We EACH are made in his image….

Then I told her that I didn’t bring her all that way to let her talk herself out of it. She was going in! Praise God for the coaches that came right over to encourage her some more and peel her off of my skin.

I share these pictures because I am proud of my daughter. She overcame fear and played her little heart out. (With many girls who had never played before by the way.) She decided that she loves it and we’ll be signing her up soon!

But I also share this message because it’s not just 8-year-old girls that get weighed down by fear and let “the stories we tell ourselves” keep us from achieving something greater. It’s also awfully easy to gloss over thoughts that aren’t “bad thoughts” about others and forget that such deeds are often accompanied by comparison and self-doubt. Negative thoughts about self really are judgments too. You and I are holy, divinely created and full of the power needed for our tasks ahead. Every time you step out, you can learn something new—about yourself and our maker, who is with you!

Eph 4:29 says “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up...” Let me encourage you today to encourage others BUT TO ALSO encourage yourself in all you do. Giving it all you’ve got, as God intended, is what it means to give Him glory. My friend, YOU were made for more! <3