Perfection as Defense


Perfection is a long time friend. One I’ve been trying to break up with for decades. It has served me well over the years. It’s time to stop using perfection as a defense. It’s the perfect mask. It allows me to show the world someone who has it all put together, who has a great job, the perfect family, and is intelligent. I want the world to see me as someone who doesn’t make mistakes and always has the answer. The problem is none of that is true.

Recently, I was asked to describe what this perfection I have been carrying around for decades looks like. I responded with Jaba the Hut. Yes, the big, ugly, unscrupulous, slave owner in Star Wars. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this is the perfect image. He’s larger than life blob that imposes his will on anyone he can. Perfection is much the same, and before I knew it, I was a slave to it.

Perfection had become the perfect defense against a world that seemed too scary to present my true self to. It protected me. It helped me feel lovable and safe. By the time I knew the truth of this scripture perfection had a strong hold I couldn’t get rid of until now. Now, the grip has lessened significantly, but I’m sure I’ll still have to work on it.

God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.” (Genesis 1: 26-28 MSG).

This scripture reminds me why I need to continually work to take off the mask. This scripture reminds me that I am created in the image of my Creator. This scripture reminds me that I am enough just as I was created.

Do you have perfection as a defense? Do you use to to protect you and keep you safe? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

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