Might it be okay for us to not be enough? Kristen Hallinan gives a reassuring answer.
Elisa
Enough?
By Kristen Hallinan
You are not enough.
Wait a minute—do I really mean that? You might be thinking I’m about to refute that claim and assure you that you are enough. Maybe I’ll assure you that you’ve got this, and I believe you have everything it takes. Sorry, sister, that just isn’t true. I love you too much to lie to you, so instead, I’m going to give it to you straight.
Hearing “You are not enough” can feel a little disorienting because it is the opposite of the message the world is shouting at us. How many times have you seen this message on social media, in books, spoken from stages, and beautifully plastered all over home décor? If you are currently nestled up with a pillow that proclaims, “You are enough!” or drinking your coffee from a mug with these three words, I’m not slamming your Hobby Lobby finds. (Who could hate on 50% off Christmas décor and picture frames?)
Even many faith-filled, Jesus-loving Christians attempt to validate their worth by affirming, “You are enough!” I get it. It’s a well-meaning message that we should stop needlessly striving, stop the crazy hustle, and stop trying to prove our worth by constantly and frantically doing more. That is not a bad message—in fact, I agree with this application of the message!
This platitude goes wrong, however, in its prompting to turn your focus inward instead of upward. Have you ever considered the implications of the idea that you are enough? What if we really were supposed to be “enough”? This means every solution and every strength needed to live and thrive would all be up to you. Now that’s terrifying. You are enough is meant to comfort even though the weight of the whole world on your shoulders is incredibly stressful.
I couldn’t be more thankful that I’m not supposed to be enough. We are limited by our experiences (or lack thereof), unfulfilled needs, and shame. For every limitation of ours, however, God fills in the gaps. We may not be enough on our own, but our creator didn’t intend to leave us half-full, half-equipped, half-capable. He freely gives and equips even though we didn’t earn it and don’t deserve it—that’s called grace.
When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, he cautioned them about believing themselves to be more capable, or important, than they really were:
“For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. (Rom. 12:3–7 CSB)
We need each other, and we need to complement one another and boost our ability to carry on by giving the gifts of our differing strengths and wisdom. You won’t find a single verse in the Bible promoting self-reliance, but our instruction to lean on both the Lord and one another is plentiful.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being more than enough—and thank you for never asking me to be enough.
Adapted from Legacy Changer by Kristen Hallinan, ©2024. Used by permission.
Kristen Hallinan is a sought-after writer and speaker, passionate about helping women redeem the pain of their past and move towards a healthier and more hopeful future. On mission to equip women and support families, Kristen previously worked as Director of Development for MOPS International. She enjoys working with teen moms, crisis pregnancy centers, and serving as a pre-marital mentor with her husband Shawn in Dallas, TX. Legacy Changer is Kristen’s debut book, and you can find her other writings in publications like Relevant Magazine and The Joyful Life. Laughing with and chasing after her four children helps burn off the calories she consumes of her favorite treat—homemade gluten free churros. Connect with Kristen at www.KristenHallinan.com.