The Unwelcome Visitor

Dear friends, I have a story to share today. Like any story, there’s a struggle and resolution. The struggle is mine; the resolution is surrender. It’s about an unwelcome visitor at a writing retreat. Have you met her before? 

I didn’t pack well, and the visitor knows it. She barges in and settles beside me the first evening, whispering to my excitement, my boldness, my confidence, “Who do you think you are? What are you doing here? What will you gain, and what value will you ever add to others here?”

I sink deeper into my seat as my throat closes around me. Attempting to swallow, I reach for a sip of water, anything to remove the lump in my throat. My deep breaths turn shallow and my body sighs to get more oxygen. I wonder if anyone notices my eyes tinted pink from holding back the salty tears that so quickly betray my desire to portray courage. 

She whispers again, “You’re not free from the anxiety you are writing about. Who do you think you are?” The uninvited guest feeds my mind with her words until I cannot think straight and my stomach hurts from short breaths. I push her away, but only in my feeble strength. She doesn’t budge. She just shouts louder, “That made no sense at all. I can’t believe you said that.” Instead of walking away and resetting, praying, and returning, I sit with her. She follows me to my room as I concede to this relentless follower. Too tired to battle, I attempt to pray and fall fast asleep. Unaware she’s not done, I awaken to her cousins, fear, and shame joining the party. 

Meet the Imposter, you may know her as well. She’s an old acquaintance that feeds anxiety when I’m tired, nervous, or stressed. This unwelcome visitor I sent packing a few years ago visits as I arrive to serve, learn, pray, and encourage. 

Do you want to know what happens? The relentless pursuit of the imposter is no match for Jesus. The lies that were entertained, and the fear and shame that joined in are sent packing by God when I call out to Him for help. Each whispered lie thrown out, and a humbling morning continues as I confess my struggle and ask for prayer. 

I share this story with you, because maybe you’ve found yourself in the same shoes while stepping through doors God has opened, and you do not know what’s on the other side. 

As you pray, prepare, and pack for Speak Up, or other opportunities, be sure you are preparing your heart and mind before preparing your wardrobe and hair. Here are a few things you can consider and ponder before you step through the door, and some scriptures to meditate on. 

P – Pray without ceasing.

Live a life of prayer, letting God guide, refresh, renew, and give you His strength and confidence. 

Verses to reflect on: I Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6-7

A – Abide in God’s Word.

Be rooted in Christ, His Word, and His promises. We receive our identity and calling from God, and that’s shown to us in His Word. Live here, not down the road camping with lies and fears. 

Verse to reflect on: Colossians 2:6-7

C – Choose to step out in faith.

Act knowing God has gifted you and called you with His purposes, and for His glory. Move forward because God is faithful, not because you have it all together. 

Verse to reflect on: Ephesians 2:10

K – Know the Truth to combat the lies.

Quiet the imposter with God’s truth and seek a community of friends to remind you of these truths. The imposter loves to draw you away from community and warp the truth. Know and speak God’s truth when you’re confronted with the lies of the imposter. 

Verses to reflect on: 2 Peter 3:17-18

How will you pack for the next adventure God calls you to? Will you focus on the lies of the imposter, the outfits, and fears, or will you choose to PACK? Pray without ceasing. Abide in God’s Word. Choose to step out in faith. Know the truth to combat the imposter.

Question: When have you faced imposter syndrome and how did you combat it?