I believed you mentioned being created to be validated by God. That is why the need for validation is so strong. I have sought validation in pleasing other people way too often.
In my experience, the enemy attacks our worth. In my mind I could feel alone, not loved, not good enough; however I always go back to his greatest act of love. He laid His life for us. He never left us. He always knew he would be our defender, as you say in your song.
I believe God created us to want to be seen and heard but for His glory alone, whether that involves two people or two million people. And in our humanness, we often misplace our quest for it. I constantly battle the LIE (let’s just call it what it is) that none of what I create matters and that all of it will just get lost in a sea of music playlists and books, ad nauseam. . . and so why even try? For a 55yo (me) who has walked with the Lord since the age of 8 and who has devoted my life to worshiping Him and to creating opportunities for others around me to worship Him and experience the beauty of His presence, this idea that what I do and sing and write doesn’t matter is ludicrous! I do recognize the lie but still have to constantly come back at it with the truth of God’s Word, what HE says about me and His plans and purposes for me. My heart’s desire has zero to do with earthly recognition, fame, accolades, etc and everything to do with fulfilling Gods designs and purposes for me to bring the beauty of His presence to others around me. And yet there is always this creative tension that still wants human validation one moment and then in the next can say with 200% certainty that “it IS well with my soul.” At my core I know that God sees me and that I am enough and He is enough but when I for one minute take my eyes off of His face and look down at the waves slapping against my feet and realize how far out from the boat I am, the lies suddenly get louder. And the lies are mostly about validation and disappointments and regrets in the form of, “if only you had “ and the “why didn’t you” and the “you should have______ and now it’s probably too late because you’re too old” and blah blah blah. All lies. At that point I stop and remind my soul that He is either good or He isn’t and that I either trust Him with my life or I don’t. Man, I can relate to so much of your personal story from a few podcasts back and all the ones in between. Your music profoundly impacted my life as a young worship leader 25 years ago and onward and still does! Thank you for your honesty in your songs and in these podcasts. These are important conversations.
Rita, I do struggle with this. Living in a family where I was to blame, critiqued and invalidated , I seem to vacillate between deeply needing approval and people pleasing, to bl-sae and indifferent now. The place of it really doesn't matter anymore just out of reach. I love your "fly me to the moon" story. How lovely is our Lord to do this for you. There is a song from the Lord in that. Your stories are so significant to me because the are personal to you. I feel like I am your friend and you don't even know me. (yet)
I've heard alot of sermons, been lots of conferences, chased different moves of God and read tons of books. These podcasts have truly helped me see a depth of healing far beyond any of those things. I've truly been touched and exposed to the heart of God wanting to help me and heal me from past wounds so I can freely run in him. Thank you so very much.
Rita there is a hardship land that a musician travels through it is part of the journey. As for me I laid my guitar down for 25 years , I thought I would just give it back to God and dwell among regular people. I did transfer Art to other areas, but after 25 years I thought what could have been if I continued playing music , I simply did not want music to be a pagan God. The fruit of it was I learned to be content contentment is what God wants of us first.... we should keep in mind that God is the Potter we are the clay and he fires us up in the oven that we come out shining beautifully with a Ministry that reaches all types of people.
Mz. Rita, thank you for sharing your worship and innermost transparent thoughts. I am a kinder teacher and often my career lacks validation. But then, God sends you a podcast to remind you that what I do matters. Keep strong in faith and hope. Bless you as well and thank you for your prayers.
You are a phenomenal, richly anointed Shepherd-Teacher. I get more from these than many sermons put together. The depth of your insight and wisdom could only come from His throne, secrets only told to friends of Jesus who walk with Him in gardens and in deserts. Glory to God for Rita, may He prosper you and yours with every desire of His heart!
I am so thankful The LORD had me listen to your blog this morning. This is soooo right for this season and His Workmanship is breaking old and establishing more of HIM❤❤❤
thank you!!!! for your vulnerability... I feel like we're talking over coffee or something... Oof, in a good way. Just really appreciate your taking the time to do this. Thank you
Why does validation mean so much to us? In what ways have you sought validation?
I believed you mentioned being created to be validated by God. That is why the need for validation is so strong. I have sought validation in pleasing other people way too often.
In my experience, the enemy attacks our worth. In my mind I could feel alone, not loved, not good enough; however I always go back to his greatest act of love. He laid His life for us. He never left us. He always knew he would be our defender, as you say in your song.
I believe God created us to want to be seen and heard but for His glory alone, whether that involves two people or two million people. And in our humanness, we often misplace our quest for it. I constantly battle the LIE (let’s just call it what it is) that none of what I create matters and that all of it will just get lost in a sea of music playlists and books, ad nauseam. . . and so why even try? For a 55yo (me) who has walked with the Lord since the age of 8 and who has devoted my life to worshiping Him and to creating opportunities for others around me to worship Him and experience the beauty of His presence, this idea that what I do and sing and write doesn’t matter is ludicrous! I do recognize the lie but still have to constantly come back at it with the truth of God’s Word, what HE says about me and His plans and purposes for me. My heart’s desire has zero to do with earthly recognition, fame, accolades, etc and everything to do with fulfilling Gods designs and purposes for me to bring the beauty of His presence to others around me. And yet there is always this creative tension that still wants human validation one moment and then in the next can say with 200% certainty that “it IS well with my soul.” At my core I know that God sees me and that I am enough and He is enough but when I for one minute take my eyes off of His face and look down at the waves slapping against my feet and realize how far out from the boat I am, the lies suddenly get louder. And the lies are mostly about validation and disappointments and regrets in the form of, “if only you had “ and the “why didn’t you” and the “you should have______ and now it’s probably too late because you’re too old” and blah blah blah. All lies. At that point I stop and remind my soul that He is either good or He isn’t and that I either trust Him with my life or I don’t. Man, I can relate to so much of your personal story from a few podcasts back and all the ones in between. Your music profoundly impacted my life as a young worship leader 25 years ago and onward and still does! Thank you for your honesty in your songs and in these podcasts. These are important conversations.
Rita, I do struggle with this. Living in a family where I was to blame, critiqued and invalidated , I seem to vacillate between deeply needing approval and people pleasing, to bl-sae and indifferent now. The place of it really doesn't matter anymore just out of reach. I love your "fly me to the moon" story. How lovely is our Lord to do this for you. There is a song from the Lord in that. Your stories are so significant to me because the are personal to you. I feel like I am your friend and you don't even know me. (yet)
I've heard alot of sermons, been lots of conferences, chased different moves of God and read tons of books. These podcasts have truly helped me see a depth of healing far beyond any of those things. I've truly been touched and exposed to the heart of God wanting to help me and heal me from past wounds so I can freely run in him. Thank you so very much.
Rita there is a hardship land that a musician travels through it is part of the journey. As for me I laid my guitar down for 25 years , I thought I would just give it back to God and dwell among regular people. I did transfer Art to other areas, but after 25 years I thought what could have been if I continued playing music , I simply did not want music to be a pagan God. The fruit of it was I learned to be content contentment is what God wants of us first.... we should keep in mind that God is the Potter we are the clay and he fires us up in the oven that we come out shining beautifully with a Ministry that reaches all types of people.
Mz. Rita, thank you for sharing your worship and innermost transparent thoughts. I am a kinder teacher and often my career lacks validation. But then, God sends you a podcast to remind you that what I do matters. Keep strong in faith and hope. Bless you as well and thank you for your prayers.
Woah, what a story. God is so good.
Fire! Preach!
Very helpful. The Lord has been teaching me this.
Thank you for your story Corien Walters Holland
You are a phenomenal, richly anointed Shepherd-Teacher. I get more from these than many sermons put together. The depth of your insight and wisdom could only come from His throne, secrets only told to friends of Jesus who walk with Him in gardens and in deserts. Glory to God for Rita, may He prosper you and yours with every desire of His heart!
What a revelation..thank you so so much❤
Thank you, Rita, for all you're birthing in the Spirit.
I am so thankful The LORD had me listen to your blog this morning. This is soooo right for this season and His Workmanship is breaking old and establishing more of HIM❤❤❤
This is such a beautiful word. Thank you Rita. The seeds you sow are valuable ❤
Thanku ❤
Rita, these are so so timely for me. Thank you.
I just love your heart, Rita. So very lovely ❤M
Thank you Rita
This was such an awesome message! Thanks for this and for your prayers. ❤️🔥
thank you!!!! for your vulnerability... I feel like we're talking over coffee or something... Oof, in a good way. Just really appreciate your taking the time to do this. Thank you
I wish I had your beautiful faith and make music filled w such intimacy w Christ
❤