The other day, my daughters and I were milling around in the kitchen, talking. During the conversation, I complimented my ten-year-old on some aspect of her facial features. Now, those of you who know me pretty well know I don’t often like to focus on outer beauty. For those of you who don’t know me, here’s an earlier post of mine to shed some light on that.

After I said, “You have pretty eyes” – or whatever feature I commented on, my 13-year-old remarked: “You realize, you are just basically complimenting yourself!” (The standing joke in our house is that my youngest is the spitting image of me.) Without missing a beat, and with great (joking) dramatic flair, I responded “Yeah! Cause I’m GORGEOUS!”

We got some stupid giggles from it.

I was just about to open my mouth and say something like “But I totally don’t think I’m gorgeous or anything” and probably proceed to pick apart every aspect I dislike about my appearance, when my self-filter actually kicked in – which is rare! I’m so thankful it did.

My kids hear a lot from me all the time about how important it is how you act – not what you look like. It’s the state of your heart, not the state of your face you need to worry about, so to speak. While I want them to be humble of heart, I also want them to be confident, too. I want them to be so confident that, no matter what external qualities they may or may not possess, they will stand tall.

It’s like this. These poor kids have seen me at my worst – ugly crying watching the first fifteen minutes of the movie “Up”; in the morning without my makeup on; and red-faced and stinky after a long run. It is not a pretty sight, ya’ll. Lawd.

In my opinion, it doesn’t matter how other people see me. It’s how God sees me, and how I view myself. I have enough confidence not care much what others think about me. Now, that doesn’t mean I’ll show up at Wal-Mart wearing my pajama pants anytime soon (though I have been tempted).

It does mean I will boldly pursue what captures my heart or my fancy without much care if people think I’m silly or awkward doing so. Because the truth is – I know I’m silly and awkward. The fact that I serve a God who can make good from all my goofiness is where my confidence comes from after all.

“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

What would you go out and do today if you could shed the fear of what others might think of you? If you feel comfortable sharing, please do! If you’re a journal keeper (it’s never too late so start!), make a “wish list”.  Ask God for confidence – He is faithful!