Brittany Gary Wright: Not of This World

Earlier this week my blogger friend and mentor, Katey McFarlan, posted this inspirational and emotionally heavy post to Chronicles of Frivolity that truly spoke to my heart. It is as if Katey knew what I have been struggling with internally since creating my blog and expanding my personal brand. Immediately after reading I shot Katey an email (she really is the best at responding instantaneously to every tiny email I send) expressing how much I valued this post and her courage for sharing her spirituality to her following. She has the kindest heart and even took the time to read my Sunday Best post from a few weeks ago. Here is an excerpt of her post. To read more just click HERE.

At Mi Cocina over the usual chips and queso, Kristin said it best. "You could be in the hospital, having a conference call with a client, late for an appointment and if I asked you to happy hour, you would say yes."

She's completely right. I let other's feelings and emotions dictate my actions.
At church we have been studying the book of James. Want to know where your sin is? Read that. I've been asking God to truly show me my sin and where I need to fix it. He has been blaring this one at me and I haven't even noticed until this week.

"If you belonged to this world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to this world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:19

We will never please everyone because the world has a yearning that nothing secular can fill. We degrade and complain about others simply because we think, "If I put this person down, it will fill me up." I'm here to tell you, even if you aren't a believer and somehow have read through this post, nothing will fill you except the love of Christ. We were made to not be whole, and only find fulfillment through him.

It is so easy [especially in my industry] to get consumed with the titles we have and how we pleased people to get those. For example, companies want to work with you by how many comments people leave agreeing with what you posted. We are given the title of "style influencer" with a talent for writing. The only title that will ever matter is that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood under God[1 Peter 2:9]. We are distracted by "pleasing" and "numbers" and therefore, forget God has given us talent to be used for him. There is no greater tragedy than talent without purpose, and at the end of my day, I know my purpose is to help other girls feel good about themselves while sharing his love for them.

I'm really thankful that I've been given this opportunity with a job in which I do get scrutinized and made aware of how it is impossible to please everyone. It has opened my eyes to my flaws and obsession with people pleasing, while allowing me a platform to share it with you all. I know I've always characterized my people pleasing as just being "southern." I've thought I would put other's needs above my own, when in reality I'm seeking gratification and acceptance from this world, as opposed to Christ. That acceptance will never come because this world is not my home.