I’m a recovering people-pleaser. I blame my upbringing, where I was taught to respect my elders, no matter if they were wrong, and to respect men. After all, in our society and culture, without a man in her life, a woman is worthless.

It has taken me decades to shed my insecurities. Since becoming a Christian, I’m learning that there is a huge difference between what the Bible says about our worth in Christ and what our culture and the world tell us.

Where God is about growth and protection, the world imposes oppression.

I thank God that He leads me away from the desire to please others. He leads me towards a simpler way of life that pleases Him.

God knows that I can’t please everyone. To try to do so will burden me and constrict me to the point of collapse. In pleasing God alone, He ensures that I’m covered by His presence and grace.