Are You Really Being You?

Are you really being you? Early this afternoon, God asked me that question. Now I’m asking you.

As I pondered an answer to God’s question, He directed me think back to high school and then He asked me two other questions, “What were some things you truly looked forward to doing? What motivated you, Michelle?”

Immediately what popped into my mind was cheerleading. Yes, I was a cheerleader, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. I cheered for my team. I cheered for my school. I cheered with all my heart because I believed in my team and my school.

I learned cheering was something I was good at. It wasn’t the physical talent that made me a talented cheerleader, although I could do a toe-touch. It was what was inside of me. That’s where the cheering came from. The person inside coming out to give support, to give confidence, to uplift my fellow teammates.

We were a team. Each player had his own position. Each cheerleader had her own position. Each fan had their part. Each individual person had a specific part and together we made the whole team.

My part was cheering. I embraced my part. I gave it my all.

True Story Ahead

One year during Homecoming week, I got sick. I mean I got really sick. Our school’s policy stated if you didn’t attend school during the day, you didn’t get to participate in any extracurricular activities after school. Kind of motivating to not skip if you really enjoyed a particular activity.

Well, I loved cheering! I mean, I really loved it! I especially looked forward to Homecoming week. There were so many fun activities that week. But how fun is it really when you’re sick with a fever, body aches, chills, congestion, and unending snot?

Didn’t matter. I loved cheering. So what’s a cheerleader to do? I’ll tell you. I dug way down inside of myself, found what little energy I had, drug myself up off that bed each morning so that I could participate in Homecoming week.

By Thursday I was more than miserable, but still I went to school. I’m not sure I could hear much because my ears were so plugged. Imagine swimming underwater, that’s kind of how I heard things. Didn’t matter. I was a cheerleader, and I had a job to do, a job I enjoyed.

Thursday night during Homecoming week was always fun. Coronation happened. You know, the king and queen were crowned in a big hoopla ceremony and then we had a BIG bonfire where the cheerleaders led athletes, students, and parents in cheers to pump up everyone for the big game the next night. It was a blast!

Friday morning’s alarm barely woke my ill body. Nevertheless, I rolled out of bed because today was Homecoming! Here’s what I remember from the day:

• Feeling sick
• Feeling feverish
• Feeling exhausted
• Blowing my nose a gazillion times. I used so many Kleenexes, I’d fill up my book bag each class period. (YUK!) Didn’t matter! I was a cheerleader.

I remember after school I collapsed on my bed. I set my alarm so that I could take a one-hour nap. I was out in about a minute!

I remember thinking there was no way I was going to miss the Homecoming game and dance just because I was sick.

And guess what? I didn’t! I was cheerleader. I had a job to do, and I loved doing it.

It was a beautiful fall evening, chilly enough we cheerleaders decided to wear pants instead of our short skirts. I was thankful for that since I had a fever.

Truthfully, I don’t remember if we won the game. However, what I remember is feeling so happy I was cheering. I remember standing on the football field gazing in amazement at all the people who showed up for this game. I remember cheering to our school song on the football field and feeling exceptionally proud that I got to do that.

I remember losing my voice completely. Didn’t matter. I mouthed the words to every single cheer. I supported my team and my fellow cheerleaders through one of the worst flu’s I’d ever had. Didn’t matter I was sick. I was a cheerleader. I had a gift. I had a job to do with my gift.

Okay, so I ended up on antibiotics for a sinus and ear infection. Took me a couple of weeks to recover, but it didn’t matter. I was a cheerleader.

My Answer to God’s Question

Homecoming week I embraced who I was. I was a cheerleader. Today, when God asked me if I’m really being me, I had to stop and think about it.

Yes! Yes, I am. I’m still a cheerleader. Okay, so I don’t do the splits or cheerleader jumps like toe touches any more, but it doesn’t matter. I’m a cheerleader for God! I use the gift of encouragement He’s given me to uplift and give support, courage, and hope to others.

Occasionally, I shake pom poms to celebrate others’ victories. I may even do a victory dance around my dining room table, and you may very well hear me cheer others on with this cheer, “You can do it!”

That’s because I’m being me. I think I have a few more Homecoming games in life to participate in. I’ll show up no matter what because I’m a cheerleader and that’s what cheerleaders do.

Practical Application

God says that we each have different gifts according to the grace (blessings) He’s given us (Romans 12:6). He goes on to say, if the gift given to you is serving, then serve. If it’s teaching, then teach. If your gift is encouraging, then get encouraging. If your gift is leadership, then start leading. (Romans 12:6-8).

There are many different gifts the Lord blesses us with. If you don’t know what your gift is, then you need to start finding out. Take some assessments, connect with a life coach, read up on spiritual gifts. Read Romans 12.

Today, I was challenged by God to be me. Be the Michelle He wants me to be. Use the gifts He’s given me. Why? For His glory and to bless others. I’ve discovered a really cool thing happens when I do this. I also am blessed.

So, I challenge you. Are you really being you?

Be who you’re really supposed to be.