When I was a little girl I was a Girl Scout.
Ok so really I never made it past Brownie. Which is pre-Girl Scout, like the test you have to go through before they let you graduate to the much cuter outfits of Daisy, and then eventually Girl Scout. I gave up because I didn’t like the outfits.
Seriously – they were ALL brown.
I’m sure there were other valid reasons to stop attending, but all I remember now is that I went for awhile, rocked the knee-high brown socks, and decided I didn’t want to do it anymore.
And then there were piano lessons. Which I quit because the teacher was mean.
And ballet. Though to be honest I’m not sure I remember why that one was dropped, because I fondly recall wearing the ballet slippers and jumping over carpet squares quite successfully. Now THAT was an outfit I could get excited about.
It’s not exactly popular to admit that you’re a quitter. We live in a world that honors those who succeed, the ones who stick it out, the underdogs who make it work when it looks like everything around them says they’re going to fail. But sometimes? It’s okay to give up. Do you want to know what I gave up recently?
My dream of publishing a particular book God had placed on my heart.
I didn’t want to. Everything in me wanted to fight for that opportunity to put myself out there and make a name for myself. I truly felt that God had given me the inspiration for this book, the outline, the concept, the vision. And then He asked me to give it back and stop chasing that dream for a season. I wish I could tell you that I knew why, but I can’t. I’m still living this one out. But I’ve learned enough over the last year to know that God’s timing is perfect – and when He asks me to give something up it’s usually because I’m choosing my timeline over His. The only thing that comes from trying to make all my plans work on my timeline is a delay in the blessing God has for me. So I’m telling you today that I’m a quitter:
- I’ve given up trying to be a perfect blogger.
- I’ve given up on looking at any statistics for my site and trusting that God has control over my audience.
- I’ve given up writing in certain online spaces or pursuing guest posts at certain blogs because God has asked me to step away.
- I’ve given up on trying to sound like “her” blog because I’m starting to love MY voice.
- I’ve given up on being “fine” if I’m not because friendships are built on honesty, not masks.
When giving up is an act of obedience to God’s purpose for your life, you succeed in quitting.
Is there something God is asking you to give up today? Trust that when He asks you to walk away from it, it doesn’t necessarily mean “never” – it just means “not now” and walk boldly in obedience. You never know what opportunity will come your way when you quit the place God needs you to give up.
Don’t forget to get those Behind the Scenes posts ready! We’ll link up here next Tuesday to share our stories – I can’t wait to read yours 🙂
Jolene Underwood says
So much familiarity here Crystal. Beautiful, honest post. Yes – sometimes we need to quit in order to really follow. Sometimes following? It looks an awful lot like nothing. Meanwhile it’s a whole lot of listening, receiving, talking to God and learning. I can relate in many, many ways. May your journey continue to be led step-by-step as the Father leads. Loved this Crystal.
Amy Tilson says
Boy have I had to learn this the hard, long, painful and expensive way. As someone with the words “you never finish anything” constantly playing in my head it’s been hard to accept this as the right path at times. It’s a good lesson to learn obedience in the leaving and quitting when that is the call.
Chandra says
Every time. Every. Single. Time. I come to your blog, and it’s exactly what God is working on in my life. Love this: “I’ve given up on being “fine” if I’m not because friendships are built on honesty, not masks.” That just happens to be the “hot spot” in my life for this season! Thank you for following Him and pointing us all to Jesus! ♥
Erin Salmon says
LOVE this. Prayerfully considering what the Lord is asking me to focus on in this season of my life. Thank you for the culture you create here.
Cheryl Ricker says
Vulnerable, raw, real. I loved your post, Crystal. And amen. I feel it. It’s so exciting to watch God use you on your winding God-led journey. Great things await as you keep on that obedient path. Hugs! From your sister, God-sized dreamer. 🙂
Satin P says
Wow girl, you nailed this on every single level of application to my life right here, right now! Thank you for your courage in sharing the vulnerable state of what you are walking through at the moment. Your words are so encouraging to my heart & yet bold & challenging as well.
This spoke loudly to my heart today: “Trust that when He asks you to walk away from it, it doesn’t necessarily
mean “never” – it just means “not now” and walk boldly in obedience.”
Thank you for your faithful words of truth, Crystal! ♥
Kimberly A Edwards says
Crystal, I really need this post today. I’ve been struggling with career stuff for the past 8 months. I feel defeated. However, reading your post today shows me that the whole issue is me pushing my agenda and not allowing God to have His way. I feel such relief right now. Praise You God for placing me here to read Crystal’s post. Amen!
Hillary Koning says
This is so so hard for me! I’m an overachiever, but for what? Hard to articulate when I need to just drop my hands and walk away. But thank you for putting it in writing.
Crystal says
I’m the same way Hillary – I’d rather have an overflowing agenda & too many projects than feel like I’m not doing enough. But when I have all of “my” stuff in my hands I’m learning I’m not able to hold them open to anything better God is trying to give me 🙂
Kate says
Well done. For your obedience, for your trust, for your honesty, for your relinquishing. So hard, I imagine, but I also expect that it will be so worth it. Thank you for opening this door for others to glimpse through and be challenged.
Crystal says
I admit I might have had more than one toddler-sized tantrum in giving up some of those things – I’m a “smidge” Type A and like to control it all…but I’m very…VERY..slowly learning that God doesn’t ask me to control it all, just respond in obedience 🙂
Kim S says
Crystal, oh my I love this post. You write so beautifully with such honesty that is so inspiring. It’s so hard to know when to give up and I love thinking of it as an act of obedience to God & succeeding. I hope we get to meet at Declare this year!
Crystal says
I hope so, too Kim!
Tonya says
I love, love, love this! And you’re beautiful heart. I’m learning too friend to trust in the waiting and you’re right. Wait doesn’t mean never, it just means not now right now. You are a gift… don’t every doubt that and you can sit on my couch/bench anyday and share your ‘unfine’ with me… Got your back sweet sister, I just love doing community with you!
Crystal says
You and your sweet words here & virtual cupcakes on Twitter & never giving up on me when I go silent online because I feel like the awkward kid…I thank God for you 🙂
kasmith03 says
Love this post and totally agree…yes sometimes we are told to give up some things…but it always seems to lead to something better. Book or no (right now) you my friend are a girl who makes a daily impact on the lives of others and I am so grateful for you! 🙂
Crystal says
And I feel very very much the same way about you, my friend 🙂