​Self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth.

All these words start with the same word: self.

We’d all probably say we want to have self-esteem, to be confident enough to just be ourselves without shame and fear, to believe we are worthy just as we are without having to earn it or prove it.

In fact, one of my goals for this year is to learn to be myself in Christ. To embrace the woman God created me as, with all my strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and qualities.

It’s a big goal, and probably one I’ll be working on for the rest of my life.

Maybe this is hope, a dream, a goal you have for yourself as well.

​Here’s something you may or may not know about me: I LOVE pancakes.

There have been many Saturdays when (after sleeping in), I’ll get up and make myself pancakes.

I have the recipe memorized, and I know the importance of properly measuring out the ingredients.

What would happen if you were doing some baking and one of the ingredients was mislabeled?

Let’s say, the salt was mislabeled as sugar.

If you added as much salt as what was supposed to be sugar, those pancakes, or cookies, or cupcakes, would NOT turn out right.

You know those introductions people do on social media? Where you share a picture of yourself and tell a few things about yourself as a way to introduce yourself to others?

I like reading other people’s introductions.

But when it comes to writing my own, well… I’m not very good at it.

With my selfie staring back at me, I feel awkward and insecure, not able to think of a single thing to say about myself that sounds good enough, wise enough, kind enough, fun enough, not-lame-and-boring enough to be worthy of sharing with others.

​How many of us feel we’re not enough of something? ​

There are a lot of situations that can make me feel self-conscious… trying something new, meeting new people, posting a selfie on Instagram, sharing an idea or opinion, shopping for button-up blouses, showing something I’ve created…

​Each of these instances can make me feel self-conscious because as I’m trying, meeting, posting, sharing, shopping, and showing, I’m also searching for answers to my questions of identity.

Do I have significance? 
Am I worthy of love? 
Do I bring value to this situation or relationship? 
Do I belong?
Am I good enough?