I almost didn’t start this blog.
I had plenty of content typed up and ready to go. I’d read quite a few articles about preparing good blog posts for readers and I’d tried to be very intentional in choosing my domain name and designing my brand. I liked to imagine what it could look like once it was up and running. I daydreamed about it, a lot.
But when it came down to it, I took so much time to launch. I took weeks just to pick the colors on my logo. I knew it wasn’t a make-it-or-break-it decision, but I felt stuck.
Part of this stemmed from my own struggles with indecision. Another part stemmed from a place deep inside of me that hesitated to put my story out there for all the world to see.
Why? I was preparing to start a blog about, among other things, my life as a girl with one arm. In fact, that was at the core of my blog, and at the center of much of my content.
And I didn’t want people to see me as just a person who was born missing an arm – because I’m not defined by my arm.
My arm (or, lack thereof) is a part of who I am. I don’t notice it very often, since it’s how I’ve always been, but I’m well aware that it’s usually the first thing people see. I know it’s an important part of my story. I know it’s part of what makes me a beautiful child of God.
But my arm is not who I am. First, I am a child of God, created in His image. First, I am a wife and a daughter and a sister. First, I am just a person who loves adventures and peach pie and dandelions.
I’m not defined by my arm, but God made me with one arm for a reason. And I decided to start this blog because I believe through sharing my story, I can help others. Maybe I can even help you.
Have you ever defined yourself by a quirky aspect of your personality? Or a part of your appearance that you don’t really like? Have you ever thought of yourself as the girl with a big nose? Or the one with too much acne? Or the one who talks too much?
I’ve been there. It’s okay. But you’re not defined by what you see as your imperfections.
You’re defined by your identity in Christ. You are a wonderful creation, perfect in His eyes, made carefully and with purpose. You are delighted over by the Savior of the world, who longs to hold you in His arms.
You’re not defined by who you think you are, because you’ll never see the whole picture from this earth. Life here is only the beginning.
You’re defined by who God thinks you are, and He’s so crazy about you that He sent His only son to die on a wooden cross to save your life. That should tell you something.
So never forget this beautiful truth: you are a onederfully created child of God.
Love,
Becca
This is so inspiring. Yes! You are not defined by your arm, but by how God sees you. Oh and he sees you as the apple of his eyes.
Thank you for this piece. I started my blog to share lessons from experiences, self development tips and my faith. There’s this sense of fulfillment in sharing your story so people can learn from. It’s sort of fulfilling purpose.
Keep on being you, dear. God loves you! This is your new friend on Instagram!
Tinukeawe.com
Hey girl! Thanks for reading. Being vulnerable enough to share my story definitely doesn’t come easy for me (though it’s getting easier as time goes on), but I know God can really use our stories when we share them with others! It is definitely a fulfilling purpose 🙂 I’m so glad we connected on Instagram! And by the way, I just subscribed to your blog… I love it!!
Love this! ❤️ Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading, glad it was meaningful to you 🙂
Beautifully written words of encouragement.
Thank you, Jen! I’m glad it encouraged you today 🙂
This was beautiful. I struggle with this daily, as well. Especially since the beginning of my blog. But you are absolutely right. Jesus saved me for a purpose and that purpose is to share His beautiful love with others. I can do that as me, not as a quad amputee. Thank you, Becca.
Thank you, Wendy! I’m sure you can relate quite a bit to this. I’m glad it was meaningful to you, and I’m so glad you’ve chosen to share your story and to share Jesus’s beautiful love with others through your blog <3
I needed to read this today. I woke up feeling really discouraged and wondering myself why I started a blog. It is scary putting yourself out there and wondering if anyone is interested or worse yet has negative feedback. One day at a time I guess.
Sheila, I’m so glad this spoke to you right where you’re at… it’s great to hear from someone who can relate! I’m with you. I’m taking it one day at a time, trusting God to lead me each step of the way!