PEOPLE PLEASER

“Don’t live up to the expectations of people who don’t know themselves.”

-Robert Ty Jones

(Did I really want people to know?)

I have wanted to start my blog since October 2020. I struggled to unbottle this idea, so I kept putting the cap on it. I was scared. Afraid to share the challenges I faced, being as young as I am. I was frightened of how it would be perceived if I told my everyday struggles. However, being transparent has always been ironically comforting. I had every excuse never to start this blog, but here I am. I’m telling you everything I never wanted people to know.

Let's cut to the chase. I was scared of what people would say or think about me. Society calls it a "people pleaser," and that's exactly what I was. Since everyone loves labels, let's define it. It's a person who has an emotional need to please others, often at the expense of his or her own needs or desires. Where was my happiness? I pleased so many people trying to fit their standards, morals, and values that I lost my happiness. I love to write, so when a friend of mine first suggested that I start a blog, I was excited. But, as I sat in my college dorm bedroom bringing this idea to life, my excitement died down. "I can't do this blog,” I told myself. But who was I more afraid of? People or God?

Did I really want people to know that I was dying in my spiritual life because I liked the world's fun going to parties and drinking with my friends, but I wanted God too? Did I really want people to know how much I tried to fit in with friends but never felt satisfied with it? Did I really want people to know that I struggled with low-self-esteem? Did I really want people to know how I got into a soul tie with a young man I put before God?

Yes, I did. If I had asked myself these questions two years ago, the answer would have been "no," but today, I choose to live in my transparency. Not to be amusing or to continue being fake, but to help others heal and see that they're not alone. You are not alone with your struggles as you walk this journey with Jesus Christ. I call it being young and saved.

Psalms 37:40 "The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in Him" (NIV). 

Thus, the Lord loves you and me. He loves us so much that he knows every one of our flaws and still desires to use us for His purpose. He'll bring you out of lust, depression, suicide, and even heartbreak, but we must first ask Him for forgiveness and admit that we’ve made mistakes. The best thing about it all is that you can find safety, healing, and comfort in Him from it. He's here to protect you from it. So, no more people-pleasing! Let's commit to not letting anyone else's needs or desires stop us from fulfilling our purpose because people need help and healing. This blog is part of my purpose, and I choose to never put the cap back on it.

“Transparency lives here”- Defined Destiny