I wrote this blog post from Austin. I was on a “whirlwind tour of Texas.” I spent three days at the Declare Conference and then traveled to Austin to be interviewed by Jamie Ivey for “The Happy Hour” podcast (you can listen to that episode here—”The Happy Hour” is one of my favorite podcasts!) And finally, I was able to spend the night at my friend Kristin Schell’s house—you may know her as The Turquoise Table lady!
So, I was pretty much surrounded by amazing women. Best-selling authors, speakers and podcasters. I had lunch with them. We had late-night chats. We laughed and cried together. And you know what?! No one has their whole act together. Not them. Not me.
All of us went to the Declare Conference because we needed advice, help and inspiration. A best-selling author may be struggling with her next book. A well-known podcaster may be worried about her kids. A big-time speaker may be feeling burn-out and needs a little oomph from Jesus. In a way a conference like this reminds us that we’re all in this together, and that Jesus is the answer. That’s exactly what a good conference should do.
Why am I telling you this? Because it’s easy for all of us to look at others and think they are succeeding in all the ways we’re failing. We believe we’re the only ones who are falling short. This is far from the truth.
Instead, when we really understand that no one has their act together we can start looking to how we can individually grow in God. Here’s how:
1. Stop comparing our weaknesses to other people’s strengths. I have to admit: When I’m around other amazing women I find myself comparing. And I later discover they are comparing themselves to me. This needs to stop! God has given us all unique strengths. Instead of comparing, we need to grow in the ways God is transforming us and also celebrate the way He’s transforming others.
2. Ask for help. At the conference, I had women come up to me to ask for advice about writing, speaking and homeschooling. I was happy to help! Also, I asked others for advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people love sharing what they know.
3. Trust God. So many of the conference speakers shared how time after time, they felt called to step out in faith, but they felt scared to the core. I understand. I’ve been there. Yet, they also shared the amazing things that happened when they dared to step out and trust God. We don’t need to know step four, five and six. We just need to take the first step with Him. Is God asking you to do something? Be faithful in doing that.
I hope those tips are an encouragement to you. I hope that you’ll reach out to others and gather for encouragement. Also, know that even today, I’m praying for you. I’m praying you will learn to trust God as you never have before. {eoa}
Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of 10, grandmother of two and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A best-selling author, Tricia has published 50 books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner as well as a Christy and ECPA Award nominee. To connect with Tricia, go to triciagoyer.com or facebook.com/authortriciagoyer.
This article originally appeared at triciagoyer.com.
