You Are Not Enough

Dear Daughters,

I want you to know, you are not enough.

That might seem like a strange way to start this collection of letters. It might seem completely negative. And it is a message contrary to what the world, and even many in the Church, proclaim to women today. But I promise there is incredible freedom found when you let this truth sink in deep.

I can testify it is so easy to feel like you aren't enough. Not pretty enough. Not smart enough. Not outgoing enough. Not quiet enough. Not funny enough. Not disciplined enough. Not athletic enough. Not creative enough. Not small enough. Not big enough. Not strong enough. Not good enough. Just not enough. 

And while there seems to be a sweeping manifesto telling women they are in fact enough, Scripture shows me that is not the message of the gospel. The gospel declares I am a sinner, lacking in every way. I'm not enough. And I cannot ever be enough.

But that isn't the final word. Praise God that is not the final word. There is great hope. 

Let the words of 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 speak truth to you:

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

My sweet girls, we actually aren't enough; we are inadequate; we are insufficient. But God is enough; He is more than adequate; He is all sufficient. And praise God that He hasn't left us alone.  Jesus, and all His divine perfection, came down to dwell with us, and all of our weak inadequacies.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus is fulfillment of the Law. Jesus lived the perfect life and accomplished all the righteous, atoning work. Jesus is the One with the strength, the power, the sufficiencies.

And when I rest in that truth, freedom washes over my weary soul. Striving and earning and comparing and working can cease. I can be confident and content in who I am in Christ. I can live with constant joy because of who He is and all that He has done.

You are not enough, but He is. And that is such good, liberating news.

Enough in Christ,
Your Mama