Glow Up

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalms 23:4-5

I had a talk with my sister last week about being stressed at work. She was feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of having too much on her plate and not being heard when she said it was too much. Our conversation delved deeper into self value and self respect and knowing your worth. Now I am my sister’s biggest fan. She’s one of the most amazing people I know: super talented, kind, supportive, loving, and dedicated. But when she is giving something her all and it isn’t being valued, the most visible thing I see within her is Hurt. And when she feels Hurt she stops seeing herself as the amazing things I see her as, and it puts a halt on her Glow Up.

I love the phrase Glow Up. It has so many things you can take from it. The opportunity to shine brighter. Rising above previous circumstances. Polishing yourself so you go from dull to glow. It’s so empowering. But that power can be hard to find when you’re not feeling your best. When we’re Hurting, compliments feel fake, our efforts don’t feel good enough, we feel like the world is stacked against us and glowing up is just hard. So how do we combat that? How do we keep making progress and letting our light shine when Hurt has us feelings so dull?

The first thing you have to do is remember who you are. We all have a purpose in this life and a skillset that God gave to us to make the world a better place. You are the only you there is and that should not be wasted or hidden away from the world. Despite what other people may say, or do or think, they do not have the final say on your purpose or the final say on how long you stay in a Hurt state. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely believe it’s ok for you to feel Hurt. Your feelings are valid and you don’t have to think something someone says or does is ok when it isn’t. What I don’t want you to do is stay Hurt. Remember what the end goal is and keep making your way to it.

The next thing I want you to do is remember who has your back and stay close to them. What’s the old saying? Iron sharpens iron. When it’s time to work on your glow, do your best to surround yourself with those who are in support of that goal and will help you see your worth. This can be family, friends, coworkers, church members, anyone who knows what you’re working on and will help you lick those wounds until you’re not feeling as Hurt. Now that doesn’t mean they will be blind supporters. The folks who help you shine will also help you buff out blemishes. Their support may come with the occasional Hurt, but not a forever hurt. Your team should be able to tell you when you’re doing it right and when you get it wrong.

And finally, remember where your help comes from. In the Bible, David give us the 23rd Psalms which is a fervent reminder of who God is and how he walks with us. But for this reading I want you to remember these words: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” (Psalms 23:4-5) This is the part that reminds us of the Hurt. He mentions the shadow of death, evil and our enemies: things that usually try to Hurt us. And then He tells us what He’s bringing right along with Him: comfort, a table of blessings, anointing and bounty. God has not promised we won’t be Hurt, but He has promised to carry us out of it.

So Glow Up, my brother, my sister, my friend. Shine brighter, rise up, polish yourself. Feel the hurt and press on because you have a purpose, your tribe is there to support you, and God will carry you through. If you can hold on to that and make it your truth, you will have a even greater glow about you. Don’t let Hurt diminish your Glow.