U R More

U R More

U R Enough (even when it doesn’t appear so)

She pauses to inhale.  “Where are my days going?  I am just trying to be a good wife and mom … and you are out speaking and writing books, and I don’t know how you do it, and I know it’s all a season, and what’s it going to be like when this next little one comes?  How our lives will change ….”  Deep breath, sigh.  Mommy tiredness and mommy hope all in an exhale.

And then I see the other her, the one whose blog I read, whose voice inspires, whose message is resounding through the whole wide world.  And I’m struck that my voice seems so … small.  I glimpse yet another woman’s speaking calendar, arena lights upon her, traveling the world saving a heart at a time, and I am so stilled at this moment that I’m actually grateful for her.

I’m thrilled I didn’t miss my son’s football season this year.  To watch him and my husband (the Cowboy and the Coach) on their own Field of Dreams has been all this heart needed. I’m at home with my munchkins making pumpkin bread, harvest soup, memories.  Blessed to not be on the road, on a plane, in another city ministering, when there is so much ministering to be done in my own backyard, kitchen, and upstairs rooms.

raising boys

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When I journal here, I want to put a face to all the longing:  the longing for Enough.  The house to be clean enough.  There to be love enough.  Our bodies to be good enough, in all their dimples, bumps and tucks.  For us to look around and look inside and say, God, U R Enough, and in the mirror of Him we see crystal clear, so are we.  Enough, that is.  In all our “less thans,” in all our longings, in all the laundry and linens and meetings and the search for More.

He says we are “More than Conquerors.” That neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power in all Creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ.  Nothing can separate us from His love for us!  Nothing! Not past failures or post likes or popularity contests.  Nothing in all Creation can separate us from His love. Therefore, we are More. More than Conquerors.  (Romans 8:37-39)

I am in the shower one morning and the voice of The Lord is clear, hot water pouring over achy body.  “I am Enough for you, Jen.”

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Family

These times with him, candle burning, coffee steaming, on the porch, view broadening: Enough.  He is a still small voice breaking through a myriad of voices that compare. and comparisons only tell me my work in not enough.  I am not enough.  I should do more.  I should be like her: More. (and we know Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”)

So in the Less of my life right now, in the Less rush, the Less deadlines, the Less traveling, and the Less worry, I am finding so much More.  More women in my own community whose rich voices are a tune in my ear.  More ways to give to those who live near and more time for those I love.  I am finding more stillness in Less activity, and More joy in loving the One girl who’s mine (four steps down the hall, one left).  Loving her soul in all its stretches and shapes fills hours, weekends, a whole calendar …. I’m booked.

U R Enough

So wherever you are, at the top of your game, at the end of your valley, at the ridge of your life, or just the start of a journey … in the thick of it, in the Less of it, in the thinness, in the complexity or in the simplicity, right here, right now:  God is Enough for you.  

Once you see that clearly, look into His mirror:  U R Enough too.

U R More than a conqueror.

From the Porch,

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About the Author: Jennifer

Jennifer Strickland is a wife, mom, TEDx speaker, and former professional model. She is the author of Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than You Know, and Beautiful Lies, among other books and Bible studies that teach women their worth in God’s eyes. Since leaving the modeling industry, she founded URMore.org, a non-profit ministry that provides resources to hurting women and girls. Her favorite moments are found working on the family ranch with her husband, who she calls “the Cowboy”; in her kitchen, concocting a new version of her famous spaghetti; or spending time with their three precious children.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

At the age of 18, I was recovering from an eating disorder, cutting, and suicide when I read Jennifer Strickland’s book Girl Perfect and it changed my life. At the age of 33, as I travel the world reaching youth for the gospel, this is the only book I recommend to girls who are struggling. The Lord has truly anointed Jennifer’s words through her story, not only to address the struggles of today’s generation of girls, but also to walk them through the healing necessary for victory.

Christina Boudreau

Jennifer is a captivating speaker. She keeps the listener hanging in wonder of what’s coming next! Her presentation is not only absorbing, it reveals the truth of God’s power to heal a wounded spirit.

Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, Former Stonecroft Ministries Regional Representative, San Diego, CA

“The ‘P’ word [perfection] may be the heaviest burden women bear. All the misguided things we do to attain it can keep us away from what we need most – the unconditional love of God the Father. The Girl Perfect Study Guide gives you a map to the wholeness you were created for.”

Nancy Ortberg

Nancy Ortberg, author and former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church

“The Girl Perfect Study Guide shatters the lies girls and women believe and points to the ultimate truth, which really does set us free. I am confident that this study will help thousands discover a beauty, purpose, and worth that truly lasts. Thank you Jen for exposing the ‘perfect life’ and inviting girls to experience God’s ‘perfect love.'”

Allie Marie Smith

Allie Marie Smith, Founder of Wonderfully Made

One of the best testaments to what Jennifer is doing for the young girls and women of today is a comment from my eleven-year-old granddaughter: “Grammy, I want to read this book and hear her again. She’s good and I learned a lot.” This is exactly what I experienced from a grown-up perspective when I was introduced to Jennifer Strickland’s amazing story. Read it and see if you don’t get the real story from an icon model and a powerful speaker of truth.”

Thelma Wells

Thelma Wells, D.D. (Hon), President of Woman of God Ministries
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