I’m Not Perfect, Lord!
Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken…says the Lord…”
“I got mixed messages growing up,” said my friend. “On one hand, I received the message that I was a perfect little girl; responsible for bringing pleasure to adults. Yet, I felt bad, afraid I might not measure up.”
I nodded with understanding. Perfect little people don’t, in fact, they canπt experience negative thoughts or feelings. They must not question or ask for what they need or desire. So when normal human needs surface in a perfect little person, shame is produced.
Perfect little people usually grow up to be perfectionistic adults. They are expected to know what to say; how to think, feel, and act; as well as who is upset and how to fix it. And they always make their family and friends look and feel happy. Yet perfect people are often depressed. They are mad that their needs and longings are unfulfilled, but since they must not express anger, they turn it inward. And then try harder to be more perfect!
It’s a vicious cycle that can be broken by accepting the unconditional love of God. One day with great relief and joy I prayed, “I’m not perfect, Lord! I never was; and I never will be here on earth.” I wanted to shout the news.
Lord, you are perfect
and yet you love me.
Thanks.
Copyright Joan C. Webb
For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com