A.I.A

I belong to a group called A.I.A.

It's kind of like AA, but not at all, cause I am not addicted to alcohol.

It's kind of like WW (weight watchers), but not at all, cause somehow I just can't seem to gain weight. Yes, I am that girl, hate me if you must.

And it's kind of like Santa, the Tooth Fairy and calorie -free chocolate...it really is...because it doesn't exist. (So sorry if your parent's never told you, now go eat a brownie a feel better.)

But it should exist.

And if it did, I would be the President.

And we would be called: Achievement Issues Anonymous.

We can blame the media for photo-shopping enough perfection into cover models that we feel insecure about every tiny flaw...not that I would know of course, cause I have none...

We can blame a crappy childhood due to the fact that your Daddy never bought you that pony in 5th grade, or your Mommy forced brussel sprouts down your throat. Oh the injustice.

We can blame the schoolyard bully who stole your lunch money, the English teacher who embarrassed you in front of the whole class when you misspelled baccalaureate, or the best friend who hijacked your grad dress pattern for herself...

But at the end of the day, what I am learning in my make believe A.I.A group, is that the only one putting expectations on me...is me.

If I choose to care about what that person thinks, or those people say, then I give them the power to make me insecure, which in turn makes me try even harder, which in turn completely depresses me when I fall short. And the cycle goes round and round and round...until...

I say DONE! I will no longer see myself through the eyes of others, or try to live up to who they all say I should be... as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a teacher....there is always someone who does things better, or more detailed, or more pretty than me...and I am learning to accept...that's okay. It's okay.

You wanna know why? Cause let me tell you something that my best friend did for me a while back. He made a list of things about me that are great, so in times like this, which he knew would arise, I could look at them and be reminded, I don't have to try...I can just be. These are a few things he said:

I am forgiven. (Colossians 1:13-14)

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 1:3)

Because of Him, I am free from guilt and condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

I am the recipient of His grace, given to me before the beginning of time. (2 Timothy 1:8-9)

I have been reconciled to God by the blood of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:13)

I have received the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

I am joyful, prayerful and thankful according to the will of God.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

There's so much more, that's just a taste. So tell me why on earth I would feel like I need to strive to be a porcelain faced, fashionista when He has informed me that I am all of THIS!!

I think that's pretty great, and let's just be down right honest here...when those fashionistas go home from their photo shoot, slip off their Jimmy Choos, and place those skinny little feet up on their microsuede chez lounge...they are desperately wishing they could say the things that I can about myself!!

How backwards to think I have something that Bill Gates wants...Paris Hilton wants...Britney Spears wants...

I may not have the biggest brand names, the hottest sports cars in my 7 car garage, or 12 nannies on call...but I have something more...

I have the knowledge and experience of the love of a KING that puts all these earthly gems to shame.

Little do they know...I love to share...and so does He...and they can have His riches too.