It’s Monday morning.
And I wanted you to hear this, first thing.
You are remarkable. You are the best. You are extraordinary.
They don’t know you.
Those “theys” out there that say the things that hurt your heart and wound your soul and threaten to derail you.
They do not know how smart you are. They don’t get to see your wisdom, your humor, your life, your joy, your endurance, your commitment, your strength, your loyalty, your spectacular-ness.
You may have had “theys” detailing your deficiencies for years now or maybe you only just stumbled upon an attack upon your worth.
You may have “theys” from your family or your work or your ‘friends’ or your neighbors, but “they” do not know you.
We know you.
We would run out of adjectives telling you why and how you are the best.
But it’s Monday morning. And I want you to know it. I want you to believe it, deep down.
So whatever pronouncements you walk around with today, walk around with that. A knowledge that you are loved and appreciated and gifted and tremendous and beautiful and funny and interesting and insightful and capable and talented and really just the best. Anything and everything else is just noise.
I hate that the attacks come. In all shapes and sizes. I hate that they make you doubt who you are and what you can do.
But we, the we who know you, do not doubt that you are the best for one single second.
* I have had a sea of dear friends this past week walk in the shadow of criticism. I know the shadow well. I have walked under it and will again. If you have been told anything that undervalues who you are, I hope that you will reject it this Monday morning and start fresh. Don’t let that person or statements define you. Defy their perception and keep going. Be brave. I’m praying for you this morning.