A few years ago, a local assemblywoman’s “people” contacted me to teach a workshop at her first ever Northern California Women’s Conference. As you can imagine, I was thrilled. How could I say no to that?
For those of you not from California, there’s a distinct difference between the north and south out here. Former California First Lady, Maria Shriver, began the Southern California Women’s conference quite a few years ago with incredible results.
She draws such big name talent as Oprah, Suze Ormon, and former first lady Laura Bush. Let’s be honest, though, Maria Shriver could bring Mother Teresa back from the dead to teach a workshop or two at her conference.
It was an honor to be asked to be a part of the first ever Northern California Conference. I went along with the assemblywoman to a radio interview and heard her on TV share that I would be at the conference. I was looking forward to encouraging women at the event.
While preparing, I made a point to check and see who else would be teaching workshops—big mistake. When I discovered some of the local talent included women who attended every Ivy League campus known to man, I was ready to back out.
As I continued to read their bios I wanted to throw up. One gal had been appointed by President Clinton to do something very important, another was chief of staff to Maria Shriver, and another began a grass roots campaign to fight drugs—creating a national documentary for PBS.
Yeah, I was ready to back out.
The morning of the conference I felt sick. My workshop wasn’t about building business models or entrepreneurship; it was about being a mom. I titled it “Burden to Blessing” and felt kind of silly when I compared it to the other New York Times-worthy classes assembled around me.
You know what happened? Many of these Ivy League women ended up sitting in my workshop—including Maria Shriver’s chief of staff. I was humbled and a little speechless when she came to my table afterwards to purchase my book. What a great reminder that God doesn’t want me to weigh myself against others.
Comparison is the thief of joy. – Theodore Roosevelt
Here are a few sabotaging factors to take into account when you decide to play the comparison game.
• Focus. Where’s yours? As soon as you put your eyes on a Cornell degree, a flat tummy, or a Coach bag, you’ve taken your focus off of Jesus and put them on the world. Don’t do it.
• Fairytale. Our minds are notorious for making up stories. We create fantasy where reality should be. People are people. Each one of us was created by Him and for Him. No one of us is “better.”
• Fear. It trips us up every time. Remind yourself of who you are in Christ. Faith demolishes fear, remember that.
Each one of us was created with gifts, and special talents that make us unique. My gifts don’t include lots of degrees but they do include making a mean enchilada casserole and encouraging women.
Stop looking at someone else’s talents and achievements and feeling “less than.” You are the daughter of the one true and living God. He created you in His image and hand picked your talents and gifts.
Don’t let comparison sabotage His plans for your life. It’s the first step to coveting. Remember, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and if He has asked you to do something, you need to keep your focus on Him and do it.
Chris Pedersen says
Awesome! And right to the heart of what I needed to hear today. Thanks as always, dear friend. You are the best!
JoanneKraft says
Chris, what are you doing reading my blog to hear this when you could call me instead? Love you!
Lynn says
Girl,
brilliant. I love you and am so proud. So interesting that you post this today in that Dineen and I are heading to Texas to speak and I am speaking about this very thing. God is good. Love you girl.
JoanneKraft says
Lynn, you and Dineen are going to bless His sheep in Texas. Boy howdy, do I wish I were in your audience. xo
Katie says
One of the things I tend to do the most. In the end, tho, someone (like you, my sweet friend) reminds me of my value and worth in the Lord…not in the world. LOVED this!
JoanneKraft says
Katie, you of all people have no idea how WE are comparing ourselves to YOU. I was talking behind your back just this week to Paul. “Katie is truly doing ministry. That girl must make Jesus smile from ear to ear.” Yep, you are precious – to me too.
Kathi Lipp says
So so good girl.
Kris Lindsey says
Great reminder and example. I remember when you got that speaking date, but had no ideas about your back-story. Your application hit my heart–don’t compare, but keep my eyes on Jesus and do what He has called me to do. Thanks.