“Not good enough.” I heard those words frequently when I was growing up. It seemed no matter how hard I tried, I was not good enough.
I remember my mother telling me, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Not true. Words can and do hurt and, sadly, I carried many of them into my adult life. Perhaps you, too?
I was almost 40 when I finally learned the difference between the condemnation of the evil one and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit—and this power is mine through Christ Jesus—has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 TLB
What joy to know that God loves me, really loves me, even when I mess up.
Still, even today, the old “not good enough” tape can begin to play if I’m not vigilant.
And there’s some truth in the lie. I know I’m not good enough, not smart enough, and yes, not patient enough especially when it comes to mastering technology. But then, do any of us ever master what is constantly changing?
Yesterday and today I spent over three hours each day on the phone with the printer and in Quark trying to fix the line-up of pages 8 and 9 of the brochure for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. Yes, as one friend urged, I could have paid the printer’s art department to do it. But then I’d have to pay them to do the same for the Philly brochure. The only way to finally solve the loss of time and money that happens twice a year when it’s brochure time is for me to fix the file myself in Quark so I have a template for future brochures.
I confess – I’ve not been patient the past two days. (See my “Pray for Patience?” post.) I’ve grown increasing impatient, and not just with myself but also with the six different techs I talked with.
After six time-consuming revisions, I’ve finally gotten the columns on pages 8-9 to line up as closely as I’m able. They’re still a hairline off, but I’m refusing to accept the “not good enough” lie. Why? Because wisdom (I believe) says it’s more important to move on to the rest of what needs to be done rather than be controlled by an ego that tells me I must be perfect.
My point in all this? I know there are many of you who will never submit the manuscript you’re working so hard on because you’re listening to the lie that it’s “not good enough.” Friends, let’s all learn to do our best and leave the rest to the Lord. It’s a far healthier and happier place than allowing ourselves to be in bondage to a perfectionist spirit that will always insist that we’re “not good enough.”
Thank You, Father, for Your grace, mercy, and love.
Write His Answer 
Thank you so much! You hit the nail on the head. I’m such a perfecto most that at times no matter what do I am not good enough. I needed tone reminded d God loves me the way I am, and he will meet me where I am Robin Staley
Yes! I’m reminded of the “artwork” my youngsters proudly shared with me and how I had to bite my tongue to not ask, “What is it?” I’m so grateful Father loves me and encourages me rather than tells me “not good enough.”
Well said! Your last paragraph stepped on my toes. It has encouraged me to take action in sharing my writing with an attitude to drop-kick perfection in order to move forward. This post was a difference maker for me today. Thanks for sharing the Spirit lead message of breaking such a bondage.
Write on!
Thank You, Father, for nudging me to take time away from conference work to share what You showed me. Thank You for being our bondage-breaker.
Your honesty always reminds me I’m not the only one who struggles with unrealistic expectations. God uses your writing well in my life and in others,’ I see. Thank you!! God richly bless you.
Thank you, Paula, for encouraging me.
Important and timely message for me, Marlene, as I’m prepping a manuscript and other projects. There a a thousand reasons not to submit when one expects oneself to be perfect! Sometimes things just have to be good enough!
Yes. Fact is we all need editors. All Father expect is that we do our best – and that we don’t listen to the evil one’s lie that our best will never be good enough.