If you are what you should be, then you will set the world on fire.
~St. Catherine of Siena
Despite my affinity for wearing princess dresses, my favorite outfit – the one I’d wear every day if my husband wouldn’t complain – is a well-worn pair of jeans and a comfy, cotton tee. Short-sleeved and white for spring or long-sleeved and black this time of year, I prefer vees and scoop necks. Crews? Not so much; they look like boys’ undershirts.
But today isn’t a day for wearing comfort clothes in the U.S., is it? At least not if you’re a kid (or kid at heart). Whether your children trick or treat or trunk or treat, whether they knock on doors, attend a fall festival, run wild at a school carnival or roast marshmallows at a harvest party, there’s a lot of costumes being worn.
The National Retail Federation estimates almost $7 billion in Halloween-related spending this year, over a third of that specifically for costumes. When my children were younger, I’d stalk the post-holiday Target clearance sales to snag dress-up clothes 75% off.
I remember the question we’d start asking weeks before the end of October: “What are you going to be?” My children attended a Christian school during their elementary years, so they were allowed to dress as their favorite Bible character. For them, it was, “Who are you going to be?”
Children love to pretend. Their imaginations haven’t yet been tamed into something manageable, dulled by the bounds of reality and conformity. For some, make believe is pure play, simple and undefiled, a chance for imagination to soar and new worlds to be created. Sadly, for others, it’s an escape from real-world disappointments or perceived failures or wishing to be something they’re not.
Sometimes grown-ups wear masks.
Mask-wearing manifests itself in so many different ways–
- we hide who we really are in a misguided attempt to gain favor or fit in or be liked.
- we wear a pretense of control when the interior of our lives is falling apart.
- we smile on the outside when we’re crying on the inside, desperate and lonely and broken.
We compare ourselves to others, and in so doing, begin a long, spiraling downward descent toward defeat because how in the world can a view of another’s imaginary perfection compare to our ordinary reality?
So we flounder,
and wallow,
and sink
under a weight of distortions and lies.
The enemy of our souls delights in our self-inflicted torment.
I’m going to be bold, friends. I sense a gentle nudge to speak a strong word over you. I’ve been praying over my (in)courage post the past month and had a totally different one 75% written when I felt like it wasn’t right; when all I could hear was the holy whisper, “Tell them who they are.”
Tell them who they are.
Remind them whose they are.
You are a wonder.
You are a wonder!
I’ve wrestled with God; the month of October I committed to write about the Wonder of Women (not 31 daily postings, but when I choose to write), so this is naturally on my radar. But couple that with my work for Bloom as book club coordinator; our fall selection is Emily Freeman’s A Million Little Ways, and her message has only seemed to reinforce what I’m telling you now.
Who are you? What are you? In Christ, you are:
- chosen, holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4)
- redeemed and forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
- alive (Ephesians 2:5)
- saved (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- free from the law of sin and death (Romans 2:8)
- a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)
- blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
- a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
- a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9)
- the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- loved as God’s children (1 John 3:1)
- known (John 10:14, 27)
- known (Psalm 139:1)
- fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
You aren’t just a daughter of a king; you’re the daughter of the King of Kings!
Can I get a witness?
Lovies ~ I know you know these things but do you KNOW THESE THINGS? Will you live their truth as if you believe it? One of the premises of A Million Little Ways is that God lives in us, eager to express himself through us using our unique gifts, talents, personality and propensities.
You are the only you who has ever lived and will ever live!
I’m convinced Satan understands our Kingdom potential and will do anything to fill our lives with distractions, to defeat us from the inside out. He understands the magnitude of St. Catherine’s quote – if we are what we should be (more than conquerors, recipients of every spiritual blessing, ambassadors of Christ…and all of the above), we will set the world on fire!
May it be.
robin dance :: pensieve.me
p.s. Sweet Jennifer of Studio JRU has created a print that beautifully declares this message–
Today through Sunday she’s offering them at 25% off using the code wonder. Please consider a purchase to support her and bless someone in your life. Our children need to know this message; our friends and family might need to hear it.
Leave a Comment
Kristen says
Yes! Amen to that, Robin!
If only we could understand who we are in Christ, and that He truly, utterly and deeply loves us beyond all measure. If only we could receive his love in the deepest part of our wounded hearts, the part that {honestly} doubts that anyone could love us that much. And if we could only embrace the amazing WONDERS we are because of Christ, and dance out into the world helping others see their potential, their actual personhood, the way that Christ sees them. That is my prayer for each woman visiting today…. that she would be able to see herself through Jesus’ eyes.
Robin Dance says
Kristen,
I’m joining you in that prayer this morning; IF we could see as He sees? I think we’d see sparks…
I’m begging for this kind of understanding; I’m begging not to forget.
Trudy Den Hoed says
Amen, Kristen. Thanks so much for this prayer. I need it so much. As Robin says, I, too am begging for this understanding.
Julie {Another Chance Ranch} says
Amen!!
Add me to the list of praying this prayer! It is perfect for me today!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Robin,
I love seeing your name pop up as the writer of the day for “in blog”. This is a keeper. I’m so thankful the Holy Spirit whispered this truth to you. Most days I feel like I can set the world on fire, but the enemy is powerful and sneaky. He wiggles his way in and gets me caught up in the comparison game (always a losing game). He tells me lies – that I am not worthy. If I’m not very careful, I begin to listen to all his lies. That’s when I need to pull out the sword of scripture – the verses you listed are excellent weapons against the enemy. May we ALL pack them in our emergency kits to stand firm in when the lies come flying. Greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world. Thank you for speaking truth to me this morning!! I’m going to go now and set the world on fire! 🙂
Blessings,
Bev
Robin Dance says
Oh, Bev–
First, thank you for your generous encouragement. Truly, it’s like I opened email to discover a paycheck :).
But your honesty, your desire to LIVE LIKE YOU BELIEVE? YesANDAmen!
Melanie Vanlaningham says
This fits perfectly in all that I’ve been praying and experiencing lately. Been trying to fight the enemy off lately knowing how easy I’ve believed his lies about me all my life. I work as a secretary in a middle school surrounded by these young lives trying to figure out who they are. I am SO READY to be set free from the lies in my life so that I may share the promises and hope that I REALLY believe in. I want to be a light in this darkness, not more darkness. These kids are SO important to me.
Robin Dance says
Melanie,
Oooo–get one of Jennifer’s prints to hang on your wall!! Can you do that at your school? When all those kids come into the office, they would see that message whether or not they realize it!
But yes, to give this, you have to have it; and you DO have it, right? One thing that has helped me (though I still struggle) is to focus on Christ, not fighting the lies. I think of satan like tarbaby; if I’m fighting him, there’s somewhere else to get stuck…so I just (try to) walk away from that wrestle and engage Christ. I have to wear blinders (I wish they were a real thing we could put on). As long as I’m focusing on him, the other stuff isn’t so loud. But as soon as I look left or right? Yeah…I sink.
Praying for you this morning. Yours is an important ministry :). I love your heart.
Melanie Vanlaningham says
Robin, I am such a visual learner so the ‘picture’ of wrestling tar baby is perfect. THANK YOU for sharing that. His truth is bigger than the lies and is what keeps me going. I can definitely hang the sign and will work on doing that. Also, just bought Emily’s book this past weekend and can’t wait to start reading it. Giving thanks to God for how He has used you in my life today.
Robin Dance says
Melanie,
Thank you for letting me know you latched on to that; it’s actually a complete blog post in my head but I’ve never taken the time to write it :). Your comment is a little love-gift.
Amber says
Thank you Robin! Lest we forget our “kingdom potential”! YES, YES, YES, as always, right on time! I needed to be reminded and last night I prayed for forgiveness for my doubting heart. I know my Father has plans to use me, just as I am; the enemy of my soul would love to see me stand in the way of my own kingdom potential! Let us set this world on FIRE!
Robin Dance says
Amber,
Is it wrong to smile at the thought of a Holy wildfire? Women knowing who they are in Christ, behavior following belief, to blaze our days with Kingdom ways? One of my favorite scriptures is “Lord I believe; help my unbelief.” It is my honest, hope-filled plea.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
So thankful for your encouragement today, Robin, for these truths we need to hear over and over – and believe!
Robin Dance says
Amen!
Ken says
Really inspiring!
I believe that we should always aspire to be the best of ourselves that we can and I feel that your writing encapsulates that perfectly!
Robin Dance says
If there’s anything of value in what I’ve written, I can assure you **that part** is all God :).
Shelly Miller says
Love this Robin and your obedience to share what God wanted you to share despite already having a post created. Today my last post for my 31 Day series echoes what you are saying here through my own story (and you are in the pictures too, how about that?). Enjoyed meeting you and thanking God for revelation of truth, that we are completely, unashamedly loved by the King of KIngs for exactly who we are right here and right now. You’ve got a witness.
Robin Dance says
SO HAPPY TO MEET YOU! Running to spy on your blog real quick, Shelly :).
Cindy O'Brien says
Beautiful words from my beautiful friend’s heart! Thank you!
Robin Dance says
xoxo
Lori Harris says
Amen and amen and amen.
So needed your words this morning, Robin.
I’ve spent 31 days being really quiet and really still, wrestling with God about who I am.
(and i think i know.)
<3
Robin Dance says
Lori,
YOU…are precious. I think the wrestle has been a holy one BECAUSE you know who you are :).
xo
Crystal says
I love you. And this message. Just what I needed to read this morning, because I know it..but I sometimes struggle to KNOW it. {smooch}
Robin Dance says
Crystal,
It keeps movin’ between our head and heart, yes?
Tori says
Amen! That was a wonderful start to my day, Robin!
I am copying those verses and keeping them handy for when I need a reminder!
Robin Dance says
Tori,
May the truth of God’s love and grace and delight in you burn bright.
dukeslee says
Preach!
You are a wonder, too, Ms. Robin Dance.
Robin Dance says
funny, but in my head I CAN preach. In reality? Well…who knows? I’ve never tried!
Mary says
YES! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!!!! reminds me of the book “victory over darkness”. Yes I am chosen, not just created but CHOSEN to be a part of the family of God, Abba Father. Oh Praise God! thanks!!!!
Robin Dance says
Mary,
Now YOU’RE getting me fired up!
Janelle says
Thank you so much for this message! Two friends and I have felt the Lord callin us to step up and your message puts in to words EXACTLY what we’ve been thinking and talking about! We are continuing to take steps and this is further affirmation of God’s calling!! Thank you!!
Robin Dance says
Janelle,
It is always, ALWAYS so good when affirmation returns to us over and over. Take those steps, friend…as long as you’re moving toward God, how can that be wrong?
Christina says
I’m an expert mask-collector. I have been hiding behind them my whole life and so desperately want to break free. My heart breaks because not a single soul knows the real me. I even try to hide from God but I know he knows everything. I even wrote a poem about this very thing.
Secrets in the Shell
I so want to tell you all is perfect, all is well
but at the same time I want to show you all the secrets hidden in my shell
I know that if I open up my shell and expose the secrets inside
That will be the beginning of freedom
but something keeps them locked inside
I think we all have shell secrets we’re afraid to expose
and it makes me sad that there’s a “real me” inside everyone that nobody, on this earth, really knows
Is this really how God meant it to be?
A world full of people living in shells, afraid to be free
I wonder, just wonder, what it would be like, if just for one day we could come out of hiding and set the shells aside
Reveal the “real me(s)” we thought nobody could love
Free from judgment, or hatred, or shame, filled with the kindness, grace, and love of our creator above.
Would the world break from the weight of those shells? Or would it heal?
Christina Hernandez, Sep. 2013
Robin Dance says
Oh, Christina,
So much weight to your poem; I hear what you’re saying….and what’s hidden between the lines.
This I believe, though; it’s only a matter of time before you share yourself wholly with another; this seems to be a strong step in that direction.
Trudy Den Hoed says
I love these thoughts, Robin. No, not just thoughts, but TRUTHS that you shared as God led you. Thank you so much for following your heart and reminding me today. What a wonder that we are wonders to God! I wish I could cling to this truth every day, every hour, every moment…
Robin Dance says
Trudy,
You **need** one of Jennifer’s prints!! Then tattoo it on your wrist.
I kid, I kid, but whatever it takes to remember, yes??? 🙂
Christine Wright says
Meeting you at Allume was a joy…even if I couldn’t manage to make it to the Friday morning meet up. And you just don’t know how I needed these words…it’s been a rough couple of days. Thank you. From my heart.
Robin Dance says
Christine,
Honey, I could barely make it Friday morning! The weekend was so PACKED, when else could we meet though?? It’s no surprise to me that this has been a rough week; if you heard from the Lord at all over the weekend, if you struggled with whether or not you’re known or seen or ???…the enemy will use everything against you. I’m praying for you now that you sense God’s spirit calming yours, giving you his peace, love, satisfaction. xo
Joanne Peterson says
Hi Robin,
This is so right on. I/we all fear rejection, that is why we don’t show our real selves, it might be enough, or it might be something you might not approve of, or a secret sin that I have been engaging it and you would think I’m not worth anything based on my behavior.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I think where I get so mixed up is believing who I am, based on my behavior instead of what God sees me as already based in Christ in love and justice. The blood filtered lens.
I am realizing also that I totally forget about Grace, daily Grace. The Grace Who is Love who says I will pick you back up after you have fallen and still love you anyway because You Are Mine. Sometimes My Dear Daughter, I didn’t ask you to do what you are doing, you felt compelled to do this and it is too much, or the wrong direction for you, or the wrong time for you. My expectations are not always His expectations. I’ve been pondering Eric Liddell’s comment “When I run, I can feel His pleasure” Just to be IN him.
Some how the message got through that if I mess up again, I will lose His love and be punished and be rejected. When I used to read the Old Testament, I kept seeing myself waiting for the other shoe to drop because I messed up so much. Or, I could lose His love because of the circumstances in my life and based on my pain filled, sin filtered glasses could not see His love. I’m sure if I am feeling these things, other people/women are too.
But, this post is a reminder me I have a choice, to believe His promises, and say them out loud until my brain and heart concede. OR I can think any thought and not take it captive, under control and be defeated, compared, a failure.
Thank you for this timely reminder. God see me as a work in progress that is already done because He can see the end.
Blessings,
Joanne
Christina says
Joanne, I can so resonate with what you shared here. Thank you!
Jessica W says
Robin, this is so wonderfully powerful. Thank you. I needed this reminder for me and for my girl. Just bought the print and will give it to her for Christmas. Lovely. I am so sorry I didn’t get to meet you in person at Allume this year. Maybe next year. Love and hugs!
Marcy says
I’m thankful you listened: Tell them who they are. Remind them whose they are.
I really needed that today!
Susan Stilwell says
Good stuff, Robin. When we actually THINK of who we are in Him? Mindblowing!
Beth Williams says
Robin,
I just love this post! Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit!
I’ve had the blahs the last couple of days–tired, etc. I think it is just getting tired of the superficial worldly crap and wanting more of Christ and His love.
Praying with everyone to go set the world on fire! Hey–if you can’t set the world, just do it in your little corner of the world. I try to brighten the days of people with a smile, hello or whatever ! 🙂
Shelly Wildman says
Thank you, dear Robin, for pointing us back to where we need to park our minds: on the truth of scripture. It reminds me of how very BLESSED I am to know Jesus. So glad you listened to the Spirit’s prompting this month! 🙂
Alyce says
Robin–
I tell ya, I’m in a hole here— what’s this Bloom book club? I don’t read all my emails, and I bet there has been one about that. Is it too late to join?
Robin Dance says
Alyce!! Look at the top of the incourage page; click the Book Club page. I promise–everything you’d want to know and more can be found under that tab. It’s never too late to join; videos/posts are there at your convenience. The only thing that is current is the comment thread :).
Giddy up, sistah!
BJ Lawson says
Great article as always! As believers Satan can’t have our soul so he will keep us from fulfilling the purpose God has for each one of us by feeding us lies! These truths are foundational for children of the King of Kings! They should be taught to our children and grandchildren (yes I’m there and loving it!) intermingled with their colors, ABCs and all things pre school. But, before we can do that we must feast on these truths, meditate on and embrace them. Then begin to live like we REALLY believe them even if we don’t “feel” like it. Eventually your emotions will catch up with what your head knows. Only then can you lay firm foundations in little lives., foundations that are strong and able to withstand what Satan throws at them. You can’t take them somewhere you haven’t been!
What a gift to give ourselves and all who come behind! When we live like who we really are the world will WONDER and want to know more!
Laura says
Did you read my journal entry this morning? As I poured out my confessions of how much I fall short in every way to so many of my friends? And then confessed I had my eyes on the WRONG role model? All my friends are godly women with great gifts and talents, but they were given by the same GOD that gave me mine….to be used for the same purpose! Thank you for the beautiful reinforcement of God’s teachings to me this morning about who I am IN HIM and to appreciate the gifts and talents of other in freedom from envy!! To ask forgiveness for exalting anything over Him in my life! <3