“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” – Robert Frost
April has been a blur but I couldn’t let it end without paying homage to the rhythmic beauty that is poetry. Check out the Academy of American Poets to learn about the celebration. On this final day of the month, I celebrate with a poem of my own.
I could not let April end without celebrating the power of poetry and acknowledging the end of National Poetry Month. This month I actually took time to read my own collection of poetry It’s always an interesting exercise going back to read my own words. I alternate between “Wow, that was pretty good” and “Wow, what was I thinking?” This month I also spoke to my writing accountability group about my writing journey and battle with perfectionism. While I consider “speaker” low on my list of descriptors, I enjoyed the experience and think it’s a muscle I want to keep working. If you find yourself on the perfectionist scale, here are a few thoughts:
Perfectionism skews our perception. Our perception of God, of ourselves, and of others. It impacts how we engage the world and how we answer God’s call. Perfectionism tells us if it’s not right then we’re unworthy, unqualified and incompetent. The truth is we are Known & Loved. Called & Equipped. Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose...”
Perfectionism steals our peace. Like a bully, it torments our mind and brings unrest to our spirit. Striving to do and be it all. Painstakingly crossing every “t” and dotting every “i”. Keeping up appearances. It can be exhausting. 1 Peter 5:7 in the Living Bible says “Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.”
Perfectionism stalls our progress. We believe the lie that if we can’t do it perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all. We become Paralyzed, fearing failure. We are reluctant to step out of our comfort zones and “walk on the water.” The bondage of perfection & fear of failure keeps us from moving forward. Galatians 5:1 charges us to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
The pressure of perfection is released when we trust the One who is perfect. I am grateful that He redeems, He renews and with Him nothing is wasted.
The One who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete His work in you.–
It’s that time of the year again to celebrate all things poetic. I’ve been celebrating all month with the Academy of American Poets Poem-a-Day. And as I’ve begun to diligently work on my own book of poetry, I can’t let the month end without paying homage to a poet who has inspired me.
I’ve been in awe of Maya Angelou since I was a teenager reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. And I made it my mission to memorize her affirming Phenomenal Woman, regularly performing it in front of my bedroom mirror. So imagine my excitement, reading Cicely Tyson’s memoir (Just As I Am, a breathtaking read full of history and wisdom) and coming upon a quote from a poem by Ms. Angelou with which I was unfamiliar. This poem resonated deeply as I thought of my Gran Gran and all of the great souls who have passed.
Barnabas Blessings 