• Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

in Uncategorized

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.



<a href="http://brendabradfordottinger.com/chasing-community/"><img  src="http://brendabradfordottinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Linkup-button.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a>

It’s a casual, pony-tail & sandals environment around here, but a few important reminders:

  • Please remember to visit and leave some encouragement for other friends who’ve linked-up today — this is the heart of community & your words of support could be just the thing another friend needs to hear today.
  • Please only share like-minded words of spiritual encouragement and insight.
  • Please grab the #ChasingCommunity button, or link back here underneath your post. (So others can find us and join the fun too!)
  • By linking up & leaving your email address you agree to receive #ChasingCommunity updates.

Thank you for bringing your dish to the table–May your ministry of words find community here.

Ministry+Friends=Fun. I’m linking up today with my friends at #ChasingCommunity. Come join us!
Tweet This

 Loading InLinkz ...

59 Comments

Thanks for the Company!

Subscribe to receive updates and 15 lovely printables created just for YOU!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

« The Weight of the Wait
A Time to Remember »

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Thanks for the company!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Tags

(In)Courage But God Callings Children Control Faithfulness Family Fear Fill in the Blank Freedom Friendship Giveaway God Graceful Guest Posts Home Hope If My People Inclusion Marriage Motherhood Nature P31 Pain Prayer Proverbs31Ministries Purpose Quotes Racism Rejection Rest Seasons Sisterhood Surrender Teens
  • Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

From the Author

Encouragement for Today Badge

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Thanks for the company!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Every-which-way I turn, I sense it: Heartache. Su Every-which-way I turn,  I sense it:
Heartache. Suffering. Pain. Sorrow.
.
My compassion can barely stand itself.
.
A tide of trouble beats against the shores of my heart, begging a prayer or two or ten.
.
Compassion can sometimes feel like more than a heart was made to hold.
.
We long for life and health and peace for our families, our communities, our world…ourselves.
.
Flipping through my Bible this morning; my eyes catching on years of faded ink underlining generations of ancient truths,
.
Verse upon verse…underscored reminders of the tender nature of God,
.
Sacred pages alive with precedent,
.
Revealing a heart beating wildly with compassion for a world in pain.
.
Oh, to step in the shadow of the Savior,
.
Who chose to feel compassion’s ache, instead of looking away.
.
More than ever I recognize that it’s the Christ in us that swells compassion upon a hurting world.
.
These are the glory days of hope. 🙌
.
For we have this confidence: There will be another day—when pain will not exist. 🙌
.
Thank you, Lord, that our hope is not misplaced in You. 💗
.
Dear friend, life can be overwhelming at times, AmIRight?!
.
Praying today that your soul may find rest & peace in the gentle heart of God who never leaves us alone. 💕
.
.
#weary #rest #pain #sorrow #grief #compassion #grace #notalone #suffering #heartache #butgod #soulrest #faith #ministry #amwriting #influence #leadership #serve #christianwriter #hope #restingod #believe #savior #trust #powerofgod #weariness #tired #freedom #godknows #godishere
Many a time in life I’ve felt I was standing at Many a time in life I’ve felt I was standing at the edge of a sea, hemmed in by its boundary, unable to discern a path forward.
.
If this feels familiar, friend, I have the sweetest of news…
.
God has not misplaced His plan for your life.
.
Our great God is not bound by limitation. His roads can cross right through our seas, on pathways no one knew were there! 🙌
.
Oh friend, may you rest quietly before your God at the water’s edge, trusting Him to bring you to a place of abundance.
.
The mighty waters of your circumstances are no match for His power, His heart, His purpose.
.
You’re not alone, for He goes before you, ordering unique pathways along His timeline—all for you, my friend.
.
Set your every hope into the tender palm of God and walk in freedom, for He is able. 💕
.
.
.
#uncertainty #godwillmakeaway #godisable #waitongod #trust #faith #rest #believe #powerofgod #hope #abundance #confusion #weary #circumstances #godstiming #nextrightstep #encouragement #ministry #influence #serve #amwriting #christianwriter #godcares #purpose #plans #seek #god #freedom #peace #faithfulgod
Friend, no matter what you’ve been through…hea Friend, no matter what you’ve been through…healing isn’t hopeless.
. 
So often it can feel easier to tamp hurt upon hurt deep into our spirits, than to do a new thing.
.
But, friend, our God is a God of fresh beginnings who makes pathways through the wilderness and steams in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)
.
You don’t walk alone, for His kindness and faithfulness walk with you through it all.
.
This book _Good Boundaries and Goodbyes_ by @lysaterkeurst is a beautifully honest resource for learning to understand & create healthy, Godly boundaries in our lives.
.
If you’re looking for a good resource to begin forming healthy boundaries, or are looking for help to understand others’ healthy boundaries, this book is a great place to start.
.
I have an extra copy I’d love to give away. Leave me a comment on Instagram if you’d like to be entered to win.
.
Also, OBS (Online Bible Study) is beginning a free online community study of this book January 23rd. If you’d like to sign up, head over to proverbs31.org.
.
May this be a stream in your desert, dear friend, the dawn of a beautiful new thing God’s set apart for you. 💕
.
.
.
#goodboundariesandgoodbyes #book #boundaries #healthyboundaries #emotionalhealth #stuck #relationships #peoplepleasing #misunderstood #security #letgoletgod #freedom #christianwriter #faith #ministry #influence #hope #amwriting #service #newrelease #grief #weary #rest #healing #heal #peace #moveforward #babysteps #grace #newmercies
About 5-6 years ago I started doing this thing tha About 5-6 years ago I started doing this thing that, at the time, didn’t feel like anything radical or life-changing.
.
I simply started trying to stop eating around 7pm, and not start eating again until 11am.
.
At the time, I’d never even heard the term “intermittent fasting;” I was just trying this new-to-me thing to help with weight management.
.
Over time, I learned that what I was doing was called intermittent fasting, and that it has health benefits well beyond the weight management realm.
.
(Search the word “autophagy” if you’re interested in learning more about that.)
.
I’m not gonna lie, back when I started, 7pm to 11am was hard! It took some time, and I didn’t always do it “perfectly.”
.
These days, I typically go from 6-7pm to 1-2pm. My body has adapted and most days it’s very easy. Often, I’d fast longer except that I take supplements that keep me awake at night if I take them too late in the day.
.
Yes, I came to intermittent fasting for the weight loss. (30 pounds has long been gone.) But, I stay because I’ve never felt better. Allowing my body the restorative time each day has been a game-changer for me.
.
For a few weeks now, I’ve been feeling like I’m supposed to share this…like someone needs to hear it.
.
If that’s you, friend, I want you to know that it’s not as hard as it seems. Start as slowly as you need to. Add another hour or 30 minutes, or even 15 minutes per week until your body adapts.
.
There’s no right or wrong. There are no bad days. It’s a lifestyle of freedom. You can switch it all up when you need to or want to for social reasons. It’s easier than it seems.
.
I’m no doctor. I’m not medically advising. I’m just a girl who has always longed to make a difference, so I share in hopes of helping.
.
No matter what your goals are this year, whether they’re health or relational or work related, it’s okay to go slow. It’s okay to get off track by January 10th and start over again.
.
All is progress, my friend. Baby steps count. 💕
.
#intermittentfasting #health #goals #2023 #fasting #healthylifestyle #hope #growth #liveyourbestlife #leadership #influence #christianwriter #amwriting #ministry #serve #smallbeginnings #progress #slowgrowth
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Market theme by Restored 316

Copyright 2022 Brenda Bradford Ottinger · Log in