What Does Your Handprint Look Like?

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659

Question of the Day:  If today were your last day on earth, what unique contribution or legacy would you leave behind?  What does your imprint look like?

You know, just like our unique fingerprints and our unique signatures, each of us has something that only we can contribute to this world.  I may not be the best singer, pianist, guitar player or designer in the world, but I am definitely the best at being Ebony Louise Price.  And I am the only one that was specifically put on this earth to play that role.

I've found myself comparing my gifts to others more times than I can count.  I mean, Jennifer Hudson can sang!  So can Aretha and so can Yolanda Adams.  I can't sing like them.  Why?  'Cause I'm not supposed to.  I'm supposed to sing like me.  So, why waste my time trying to be like them?  I'm just going to get frustrated and disappointed.  I could even go as far as impersonating one of them.  But, really, I don't want to be known as "that girl that impersonates Aretha," even if I could sing like her.

Other examples:  Diane Von Furstenburg, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld, Galliano.  I love their designs.  But, what they do has already been done by them.  I'm not trying to be like them.  I'm trying to be the best me that I can be.  I'm trying to live in the Lord's will and that's it.

So, just like our fingerprints, we have something unique to contribute to this world.  We weren't made by mistake (even if our parents didn't plan us).  God has always had a plan in mind for us.  

In Jeremiah 1:5, the Lord tells Jeremiah, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

WHAT?!  THE LORD HAS HAD A PLAN FOR US ALL ALONG!  HOW COOL IS THAT?!

So, we work on our skills.  Millions of women can sew, and make jewelry and play music.  But, what happens when I take those skills and filter them thru His Spirit and the earthen vessel God gave me?  God only knows.  But a sistah is fo real gonna find out.

So, let's work on our unique voices, our individual hanprints that God has blessed us with.  What's yours?

This picture reminds me of the fear we talked about last time. Sometimes the things that we would love to accomplish seem so overwhelming, like a hurdle that you can't get over. Kind of like when you stare up at a skyscraper and you start to feel dizzy when your body realizes just how tall that dang building really is. It's like we all have these BIG DREAMS that we would love to see come true. But, the more we think about them and what it would take to get there, we get dizzy and decide it's just too overwhelming. That is the point where I find myself stuck, stagnant, disappointed, and, frankly, depressed.

Sometimes it feels like a tug-of-war, to have your heart and your mind able to see where you want to go, but to be overwhelmed by what it will take to get there. Should I stay here, wondering what could have been, wishing I would have at least tried, looking for something to replace that nagging feeling that something is wrong? Or should I start taking steps in the direction my heart wants to go, where God wants me to be, where I may not be accepted of everyone, but favored by Him? Dizzying, isn't it?

So, what's worse, facing the unknown and climbing to the top of that beautiful building OR that horrible sinking feeling down here on the ground that tells me this is not where I'm supposed to be? Maybe I'll ask the other people down here on the sidewalk with me. They'll convince me to take the low road with them. Or, maybe, just maybe, it's time to see what that giant skyscraper has for me.

SCARY. I KNOW! But, no building was built without a way to get to the top. Yes, you may have to take a ton of stairs, but there's a way to get there. Sure, it won't be easy, but won't it be worth it to get there? And, honestly, we only have two options: You either face your fears or you don't.

THERE IS NO TRY!

You are either standing on the sidewalk or walking into the building. You are either pursuing your dreams or you're not. You're either facing your fears or you're not.

Here's what's up. I can't stand to be down here on the sidewalk any more. My curiosity won't let me wonder what could have been for the rest of my life. I refuse to turn my back on God who is calling me from the top floor of Ebony, Inc. I choose to walk by faith and not by sight, 'cause honestly, I've seen all the stuff down here on the sidewalk and I'm kinda bored with it. I'm tired of making excuses. Now I know that fear has gotten in the way. So enough with over-analyzing it. One person called this THE PARALYSIS OF ANALYSIS. I know that it's fear that's the problem. Okay. Cool. Now get on with it. Don't get stuck in analyzing the situation. MOVE ON!

Okay, so I've entered the building. I've found the stairs. And I've ripped off the black and yellow Caution Tape. Lord, I'm going to need your strength here. I know I'll mess up sometimes. I know I might trip and fall. But, I know you made this beautiful building just for me. So, it's time to really take my first STEP OUT ON FAITH.

TV Announcer's voice: "On our next episode of STEP OUT ON FAITH, Ebony begins the climb up the stairs, probably freaks out, but is going to keep going anyway. What surprises will show up around every corner? Stay tuned to find out!"

Follow my blog with bloglovin