I took a look at my husband’s CV one day and was amazed at how ‘tight’ and together it was: degrees and certificates from prestigious schools all over the world, membership of key professional bodies in his field, and relevant work experience. It appeared as if his career path had been well thought-out and charted from the onset, even though that was not the case.
In comparison, my CV was, for want of a better descriptive word, checkered: a BSc in Biochemistry, and a master’s degree in Literature and Creative Writing. Work experience? I had: worked in a pharmacy and at a bank, been a housewife for most of my adult life, run a laundry service, started a clothing line (which never really took off ), gone into movie production, started and run a publishing outfit, etc. Pray, how do you make these look good together on a CV?
As I compared my CV with my husband’s, a voice within whispered, “There are people that your story can reach that his story will never reach!” I got it right away: there were people who would be better able to relate with my ‘checkered’ career path than with his ‘perfect’ career path, and because they could relate with my story, I would be in a position to speak to them in ways that he would not be able to.
I know the fear and anxiety that comes with returning to school or a career after so many years away. I also know what it feels like to be plagued with uncertainties about the future, and the fear that it may be too late to chase certain dreams or embark on a particular path. And oh, I so know what it feels like to be filled with trepidation as you set off on a new path (hmm, this housewife has many stories to share ). I believe that there are people out there who can well relate with these fears. So, as proud as I am of my hubby and his achievements, I am equally proud of my story!
I don’t know what your story is, or what area of your life is not-so-together, but I want you to know that you have a story that can speak to people who have been or are going through what you have been through. Your experiences – the good, the bad, and the ugly – have prepared you and qualified you to speak about certain things in a way that others never could. Own your story and do not cower in shame when you remember your experiences.
You would not be who you are if you had not been through the paths that you’ve been through. By all means, be happy for those who have got it perfect in some area or the other, but do not let their perfect story make you feel inadequate in anyway. Stop wishing that you had what they have; you have a story that they do NOT have, and because you have that story, you can reach people in ways that they cannot! Hold your head up. Do not allow your past or present circumstances to define you; you are more than all of these.
What you consider your weakness or inadequacy may well be what qualifies you to be used by God in a certain way. Own your story. After all, it is what qualifies you to be you, and to live out your purpose!
P/s: This piece was first published on my Facebook page on February 22, 2016.
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Looking at my life, stories abound so much so that each could be writen as a book in itself.
Indeed, I’d come to realise that a particular inadequacy in my life actually qualified me to be a ray of hope to others.
God’s plans for us are always perfect, even when we don’t see it so.
Thanks for sharing.
Apologies for the delayed response (there were technical challenges at the time) and thank you for your comment. Totally agree that God’s plans for us are always perfect even when we may not realise it. 🙂
You might as well have started with “Dear Sopuru”! Thank you for this timely, uplifting message. Your story encourages me to hope that one day the disjointed bits of mine will come tgether.❤️
Dear Sopuru (deliberately starting my response with these words 🙂 ), forgive me for the delayed response. I had some technical challenges that did not allow comments to be seen at the time you posted your comments. I am glad to know this blessed you. Hang in there and very soon, the bits and pieces of your story will beautifully come together. Hugs!
Thank you so much for this as it spoke to me personally.
I have been feeling lost, stagnant and not knowing how to move forward or where to go from here.
I will own my story and be thankful for how God has led me so far and trust him for the future.
Thank you again.
First, huge apologies for the delayed response. I had a little technical challenge that did not allow comments to be seen on the blog. Thank you for your comment, and I am so glad to know this spoke to you! Hugs!