logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Measuring up
commentary
August 3, 2023
Measuring up

Last week was “Love Week” for my church, Elevation Church with Pastor Steven Furtick. He brought an amazing word from the Lord called “The God Of Also” and he challenged us to do something for someone else each day of the week. In his message he taught us that understanding the calling that God has placed on our lives also requires us to let go of the limited idea of who we believe He has created us to be. How do we “measure up?”

For most of my life I have struggled with the idea that I didn’t “measure up” compared to others. Though I was dedicated to the Lord when I was just an infant and raised in church my whole life, I constantly felt inadequate.

I even worked in the ministry teach-ing at a private Christian school and leading chapel services for 10 years, teaching “Kids for Christ” classes on Wednesday nights and Children’s Church on Sunday mornings, singing and leading worship in the church choir plus speaking at a couple ladies’ retreats but even with all these ministries, I would often struggle with the idea that I didn’t do enough or I didn’t “measure up” to others people’s expectations or God’s.

I had these ideas that I didn’t measure up because I wasn’t a boy. I had this misconception that men were stronger and smarter than women and we were put here on this earth to just serve them and I couldn’t “measure up.”

I felt like I couldn’t “measure up” because I wasn’t the prettiest. My skin was too white. I had too many freckles. My hair was too thin and of course I was never skinny enough, even though I weighed 102 pounds at 20 years old when I got pregnant with my daughter. I remember having her and still weighing 122 pounds. I was devastated and so disgusted with myself but now I’d kiss the ground to go back to those days and that weight. It’s ironic that no matter what size I was, I always wanted to be smaller. The sad reality was I could never “measure up” in my mind.

I struggled constantly because I wasn’t the perfect daughter or sister or mother that I thought I should be.

I just couldn’t “measure up” to what I thought I should be. Now I realize I was never supposed to measure up to all those ideas and concepts. I needed to let go of who I thought I was and who I thought I needed to be and just trust God. Yes, He had created me and He would make sure that “measured up” to become what He created me to be. I had a limited idea of who I was. I placed too much value on everything external and not enough of what was internal. I looked in the mirror and saw what was, but He looked and saw what would be.

Today, I still fail miserably if I try to “measure up” in my own eyes. Instead I have to see myself through His eyes. Helen Keller was an amazing American author and educator who despite her disabilities of being blind and deaf, accomplished extraordinary feats. She stated “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I still can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

What is the one thing that I can do? What is the one thing that you can do?

I’m relearning that no matter what challenges I face or how much I will not “measure up” isn’t an excuse for what I can do. If I look around I can see how to be a blessing to someone else. I can break the power of lack and greed by just giving of myself. What is the one thing that I can do to meet someone’s needs or to brighten their day?

Can I bake, or paint, or even write some words of encouragement? Can I physically do something? Can I be kind to a stranger, better yet can I be kind to my own family and friends?

So I figured out the things I could do this past week. I mowed my disabled neighbor’s yard. I bought a new expecting young mom some baby outfits. I bought lunch for my boss. I supported a new author by buying her new memoir. I made cookies for my mom on Sunday, then brought her dinner on Tuesday when she didn’t feel well. I bought my best all need to know that someone cares. We need to feel like we “measure up” but we need to see how we “measure up” through the eyes of our Savior.

Our purpose is what we are passionate about. What are you passionate about? What makes you excited? What makes your heart smile when you do it for someone else?

Remember one single act of kindness can create a domino effect throughout your community and your life. Rather than focusing on what you can’t do, find that one thing that you can do and do it! I promise you’ll be glad that you did and you will “measure up” in His eyes.

Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
B:, Sports...
Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
The Seminole Chieftains were lucky to go home with a 34-27 win over the Checotah Wildcats Friday night. Checotah’s penalties that accumulated to over 100 yards. The Wildcats moved the football up and ...
this is a test
D is for Duvall
A: Main, News...
D is for Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
September 11, 2025
When your last name is Duvall then you more than likely wear a cowboy hat, ride a horse and have sat in many rodeo arenas over several decades. So when word got out that the Jim Norick Arena was being...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
9/11 – Never Forget
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
At about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, I strolled into the Las Vegas Sun newsroom where I worked as an entertainment reporter. The room was quiet, a palpable feeling of dread filled the air as the f...
this is a test
Checotah FFA earns historic award
A: Main, News...
Checotah FFA earns historic award
September 11, 2025
The Checotah FFA Chapter has been recently recognized in the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. “We are so excited that the Checotah FFA was given a National 3-sta...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Chief issues executive order to implement Treaty of 1866 Freedmen ruling
By PATRICK FORD SPECIAL REPORT 
September 11, 2025
Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill has issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining the Nation’s plan to comply with a landmark Supreme Court decision requiring the incorporation of the Treaty ...
this is a test
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
A: Main, News...
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
September 11, 2025
Heartland Heritage Museum and Art Gallery 114 N. Broadway Checotah, Oklahoma Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to join us for an afternoon of discovery and connection with others who share...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A site out of this world
A: Main, News...
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 11, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/AT...
this is a test
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
News
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
September 11, 2025
Over 900 students from across the state came to compete in the first annual Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest. “We couldn’t believe how many participants came for our first event,” Zachary Ilbery sa...
this is a test
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
News
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city. “...
this is a test
News
Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk
September 11, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20 On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Out of Darkness Walk begins at 6 p.m. At Eufaula Cove Pavilion Special speaker, live music, resources Everyone welcomed to walk!
this is a test
News
LEA 2025 Golf Tournament Sept. 26
September 11, 2025
The 2025 Lake Eufaula Association Golf Tournament will be held Friday Sept. 26 at Arrowhead Golf Course, 3657 Main Park Rd. , Canadian. Registration is at 8 a.m., shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and lunch ...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy