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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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Be (Un)impressive

New years rarely come in gently, do they?

Like toddlers in a toy-store they charge in, carrying resolutions and dreams bigger than their britches.

Fresh beginnings, inspiring and heavy with promise—but often heavy, too, with fear.

Fear of failure, of inadequacy, of not being enough for the dreams we’ve dared to wish upon a newborn year.

So much weight on the frail shoulders of a young year.

In 2018, why not add one simple resolution to the list—one that offers freedom rather than burden.

Be unimpressive.

Of course, we don’t like to identify ourselves as having a need to impress,  I mean, who has time for all that when we’re trying to live and love and serve—all while cramming 30 hours into 24?

But, when we break it down to its small beginnings—how often do we entertain thoughts of what others think of us? Tweet This

Which, by the way, is quite different from how  others think of us. Of course we care to be seen as physically and spiritually clean—teeth sparkling, clothes matching, grace flowing.

But, somewhere along the way, it can move beyond that. Without realizing it, we can become so taken with the superficial ideals of what  others think, we sometimes lose sight of what’s truly impressive.

And, hint: it’s not us.

I can think of many-a-word to describe the apostle Paul, but subtle isn’t one of them. Candidly, Paul reminds us that—our place is not to impress. (“Don’t try to impress others.” Phil 2:3, NLT)

Isn’t that just all kinds of freeing?

This year, what do you say we take Paul up on that challenge and give one another permission to be unimpressive?

Five Ways to Be (Un)impressive in 2018:

  • Become impressed all over again with the wonder of who He is.

“Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.” (I Chronicles 29:11, NIV)

  • Remember our strength comes from God’s grace. (Hebrews 13:9, NLT)

Anything we’ll ever do—if it has eternal measure—will be accomplished by His power alone as it trickles through our meager hands.

  • Be the server, not the served.  (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 13:16)

Just outside our doors are people who need to meet Heaven in us. People who need a smile and need to know they matter. May we not be so inward-focused we miss them.

  • Work for eternal reward, not for temporary glory. (Philippians 3:14; John 3:30)

With the pace of this modern world, isn’t it so easy to look up and find ourselves at the center? Again. Oh, that we’d decrease so He might increase.

  • Surround yourself with people who give you permission to be unimpressive.

Value friends who’ll tell you when you’re slipping into “impress” mode. And be that person for others. “Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NLT)

Happy New Year, friends. ♥

May God generously grace 2018 with holy opportunities to be unimpressive, and may He give us eyes to see them.



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Comments

  1. Liz says

    January 4, 2018 at 6:13 am

    Beautiful words, friend! Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 3:55 pm

      Happy New Year back to you, my friend. ♥

      Reply
  2. Debby says

    January 4, 2018 at 6:50 am

    This is my kind of start to a new year. Good words Brenda, thank you.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      Thank you for being here, Debby. Hope you have a wonderful 2018! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Michele says

    January 4, 2018 at 7:08 am

    Brenda, thank you for the list to help us shift us from “me to Thee.” It is easy to get caught up in us…the pull of our own desires. Beautiful outlook of life. ❤️

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 3:57 pm

      It is so easy to get caught up in us, isn’t it? Thank you for being such an encouragement to me, friend. Happy, happy new year! ♥

      Reply
  4. Naomi Fata says

    January 4, 2018 at 7:16 am

    Love this post. The words that I feel God laid on my heart for the new year already were that I must decrease so He can increase and this post fits so perfectly into that concept.
    Blessings 🤗

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      Seems like it’s a common sentiment right now, and such a great one for a bunch of us to have in common. 🙂 Hope you have a beautiful 2018 with Him, Naomi. ((hug))

      Reply
  5. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    January 4, 2018 at 7:46 am

    Brenda,
    Great thoughts as we enter a new year. No, we are not the center of the world and even if the world is impressed, God looks upon the heart. Wonderful points to keep in mind as we grant ourselves the freedom to be unimpressive.
    Blessings and Happy New Year,
    Bev xo

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm

      Indeed, great point, friend. Thank you for sharing, Bev. Wishing you a healthy, peaceful new year, my friend. ♥

      Reply
  6. Lesley says

    January 4, 2018 at 7:55 am

    Happy New Year, Brenda! This is a great resolution and focus for the new year!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      Happy New Year, Lesley! Hope 2018 is good to you. ((Hug))

      Reply
  7. Michele Morin says

    January 4, 2018 at 7:56 am

    Your words prompt a huge EXHALE from this tired body and soul. Thanks for this encouragement to press into the truth that God is already impressed with His creative work in me. I want to write and live for His glory.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Me too, friend. I want to write and live for His glory too. Thank you for being a constant encouragement to the writing community, Michele. Blessed by you. ♥

      Reply
  8. KellyRBaker says

    January 4, 2018 at 8:46 am

    I love these wise words today, Brenda! And I give you permission to let me know if I’m ever slipping into “impress” mode. Happy new year, friend!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Awe…and I give you permission to do the same, my friend. Thank you for your generosity of spirit. Happy 2018, Kelly! ♥

      Reply
  9. Joanne Viola says

    January 4, 2018 at 8:51 am

    Brenda, beautifully encouraging. My one word for 2018 is”focus” and this post confirmed for me that I am to focus on Him – I must decrease and He must increase. May you have a happy & blessed new year!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      Love your one-word, Joanne. Look forward to seeing how it impacts your year. Happy New Year, friend. ♥

      Reply
  10. Paris Renae says

    January 4, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Great post, in fact, once again God is working in the heart of His girls, I was just thinking the same thoughts this morning – losing self and finding God is the most freeing experience I can think of. Blessings…

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:06 pm

      Isn’t it though?! Freeing indeed. Love when God’s working the same message out in all His girls’ hearts. 🙂 Happy New Year, friend. ♥

      Reply
  11. Linda Stoll says

    January 4, 2018 at 9:26 am

    Unimpressive! Yay! Let’s hear it for exhaling, taking the social media pressure off ourselves, and turning our eyes on Him.

    What an inspiring new year’s post, Brenda.

    😉

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      Amen, Linda. Exhaling with you, friend. Hope you’re having a wonderful new year! ♥

      Reply
  12. Gretchen Fleming says

    January 4, 2018 at 10:49 am

    YES!!! Fabulous post Brenda. So love this💕 All of this applied results in less pressure to perform. What a relief to not care anymore and let the others “win “. One of my most freeing moments as a recovering perfectionist was when I was around another perfectionist who provoked my tendencies even more than normal and inwardly I said to myself, “ yep, you can win. I’m out of this competition for being the best or having “more” than the next person. “

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      “Less pressure to perform.” Amen, Gretchen. So glad we don’t need to compete, but can just give Him all the “wins.” 🙂 Happy New Year, friend. ♥

      Reply
  13. Rachel Lee says

    January 4, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    Yes and Amen, Brenda! This is exactly where God has me- He bids me to keep going lower. Lower, lower, lower still. It’s not about ME! What a truly freeing thought! I love this so much! My goal this year- to be unimpressive. 🙂

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:12 pm

      My goal too, Rachel — going lower, and lower, and lower with you, friend. It’s *so* all about Him! Thank you for being here and being an encouragement. Happy New Year! ♥

      Reply
  14. Lyli @lylidunbar.com says

    January 4, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Love this, Brenda. May 2018 be the year He impresses more of His heart and mind on us. HUGS

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:13 pm

      May it ever be so, friend. More of His heart and mind would surely make for the best 2018. Hugs back at ya, Lyli. Happy New Year, friend. ♥

      Reply
  15. Lisa notes says

    January 4, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    Ooh, I love this encouragement, Brenda! It’s wonderful to be told NOT to be impressive. Such freedom in that. The world tells us quite the opposite and it’s too much work and invokes too much pride. But to let that go is liberating and God-honoring.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      Oh the pride of getting caught up in the world’s definition of impressive. So true, my friend. Thanks for sharing your encouragement today. Happy New Year! ♥

      Reply
  16. Lisa/Syncopated Mama says

    January 4, 2018 at 4:59 pm

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      Happy New Year to you as well, Lisa. 🙂

      Reply
  17. Carlie says

    January 4, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    Absolutely loved bumping into your post today, Brenda, and I’m so encouraged by your advice. Aaahh… the freedom to be unimpressive – love it.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 4, 2018 at 5:50 pm

      Hi, Carlie. A pleasure to meet you! May God bless your 2018 with His presence and favor. ((hug))

      Reply
  18. Robin says

    January 4, 2018 at 6:35 pm

    Hello Brenda and Happy New Year! I love your share on how to be unimpressive! You are such an encourager – thankful for your inspirational words!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      Happy New Year to you, too, friend. ♥

      Reply
  19. Misty says

    January 4, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    Happy New Year Brenda!! Blessings to you and your ministry in 2018 as you seek more of Jesus! ❤️ Misty

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      Prayers of blessings and favor over your ministry in 2018 too, Misty. So thankful to share in His ministry with you, friend. xoxo

      Reply
  20. Sue Donaldson says

    January 4, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    You must have been reading over my shoulder/soul, Brenda. Just finished my Word of the Year post for next monday – which is (ta da) Incognito. I’ll link this one of yours soon with your permission.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 1:56 pm

      Oooh, I love it when God puts His message on a bunch of hearts…so sweet to feel useful in His Kingdom’s work. ♥ Can’t wait to read what’s on your heart, friend. And, use away, whatever you’d like is yours for the taking. xoxo

      Reply
  21. Christy Mobley says

    January 4, 2018 at 10:39 pm

    Brenda, this is excellent. It made me exhale by reminding me I don’t have to be all that (age is doing that as well). It’s not about us. 😳

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 1:58 pm

      Isn’t it so freeing to know it’s not about us?! Me too, friend. Exhaling in His reminder of that truth with you, Christy. Thank you for visiting and sharing today. ♥

      Reply
  22. Amy Jung says

    January 5, 2018 at 9:48 am

    I’m currently praying that the Lord would shift my desires to be truly more for His glory than my desires being met. Your post fits so well with prayer. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 2:00 pm

      I share your prayer, friend. May He bless your 2018 with “more of His glory.” ♥

      Reply
  23. Rebecca McLemore says

    January 5, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    Wonderful reminder. We need more of this Biblical advice than the worldly advice which tells us it is all about us. SO much freedom in Scripture! Thank you Brenda for keeping true to the Word.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      So much freedom in scripture, indeed! For which I’m thankful, because I seem to be constantly in need of reminders of that freedom. 🙂 Thanks for visiting and sharing today, friend. ♥

      Reply
  24. Maree Dee says

    January 5, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    I love the thought of “being unimpressive.” I sometimes do care too much about what others think. “Become impressed all over again with the wonder of who He is” now that sounds like an amazing idea.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      It’s an easy trap to fall into, isn’t it? I think we all feel that way at times. So grateful that His opinion is the only one we need concern ourselves with. Happy New Year, friend. ♥

      Reply
  25. Rebecca L Jones says

    January 5, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Love the verse, also the one about bragging on Jesus and not us. Happy New Year, my first link with you.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 5, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      Welcome to #ChasingCommunity, Rebecca. So glad to have you with us. 🙂 I pray your new year is filled to overflowing with His goodness. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  26. Donna Reidland says

    January 5, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    Great thoughts, Brenda, and something we need to think about all the time. As you pointed out, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of worrying about what others think of us in an inordinate way. Thanks for the reminder. Hope your new year is off to a good start!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 10, 2018 at 7:59 pm

      I sure hope yours is too, friend. xoxo

      Reply
  27. Ruth says

    January 5, 2018 at 11:39 pm

    Great ideas, Brenda! I love it!
    Happy New Year! 😊

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 10, 2018 at 8:00 pm

      Happy New Year, Ruth! xoxo

      Reply
  28. Stella says

    January 10, 2018 at 11:39 pm

    Happy new year Brenda, thanks for the encouragement.

    Reply
  29. Anita Ojeda says

    January 11, 2018 at 12:30 pm

    Great tips for being unimpressive! It IS freeing to know that I don’t have to impress anyone (I quit wearing makeup and dying my hair about 10 years ago). God loves me whether I wear make up or not–and he doesn’t give a hoot about my grey hair. The only thing he wants is my heart.

    Reply
  30. Karen Woodall says

    January 11, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    All we need to do is really get a good understanding of who God is and that will take care of trying to be impressed with ourselves. In light Who He is, there is nothing remarkable about any one of us. But then here’s the real wonder… He loves us anyway! Hallelujah!

    Reply
  31. Tiffiney | Welcome Home Ministry says

    April 12, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    Brenda, I absolutely LOVE this post! I read it at least 5 weeks ago and fell in love with it. I wish I could have written it…but you’ve nailed it! You’ve somehow managed to sum up what I would have said – but couldn’t. LOL! This will be my goal for 2018 and possibly beyond. I’m sharing!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 13, 2018 at 9:44 am

      Awe, thank you for your warmth and encouragement, Tiffany. Thanks for stopping by and reading today; lovely to connect. ((hug))

      Reply

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Never can there be too many magnolia pictures. . S Never can there be too many magnolia pictures.
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Says the lens of my eyes; of my soul.
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(“Not so,” says my iphone storage, but that’s a tomorrow problem.)
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Every time I leave my house, I can’t not stop, not stare, not take another jillion pictures.
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This magnolia tree of mine, she keeps a record of time, reaching farther into the sky with each passing year.
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In all her southern glory, she lifts leaves and limbs toward heaven, pointing to the One on whom all glory rests.
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Boldly, yet elegantly, she speaks of a Creator who, year upon year, grows lovely things under the banner of His care in the lives of His own.
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Even in times when life doesn’t feel full of lovely, may we listen to the magnolia’s anthem.
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She doesn’t question the winter, knowing full well that her Maker has yet to deny spring its beauty.
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I wonder how breathtaking magnolias must be in the City of God. ✨
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“Not to us, O, LORD, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 💕
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The May calendar has a way of turning our thoughts The May calendar has a way of turning our thoughts toward home, doesn’t it?
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Far too much of my past I spent chasing roots, not sensing an inheritance of belonging within the halls of my kin.
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Layer by broken layer, though, the Lord is healing me from within, showing me that…
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What our hearts long for can’t be satisfied with what our lives long for.
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The temporal can’t pacify the eternal.
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We’re so prone to searching for home in containers not meant to carry its calling—whether in place or people, title or position, acceptance or belonging—that we seek to satisfy its longing with lesser things.
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Having a sense of home within our circles is beautiful and sacred, but—it’s a shallow substitute for the inheritance we have in God.
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Dear friend, do you feel like you’re etching a p Dear friend, do you feel like you’re etching a prayer into the ear of God, day upon year upon decade?
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You’re asking “why,” and “when, O Lord,” yet the situation your heart plays on repeat at the altar of God, remains seemingly unchanged.
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Oh, friend, I understand; me too.
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The life-mending, soul-touching, supernatural work of God takes time to witness from our perspective.
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That outcome you’re praying for? Your God is already there, working out the details ahead of you.
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I wonder, friend, do the demands of life leave you I wonder, friend, do the demands of life leave you feeling downright weary at times?
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If so, I understand. Me too.
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Oh, that our souls would rest in remembering that Jesus also knew what it was to feel weary as He walked this earth in human flesh.
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You are not alone.
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This one’s for the weary. 💗
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