"I need to tone myself down to be acceptable. My real self is just too loud, too opinionated, too much for this world."
How it sounds in your head: Every time you've been fully yourself, people have recoiled. Your husband says you're 'a lot.' Your kids roll their eyes. Your friends seem relieved when you finally leave. The message is clear: be less.
"You are all fair, my love, And there is no flaw in you."
-- Song of Solomon 4:7Religious spirit that teaches conformity over authenticity, plus cultural training that women should shrink to make others comfortable.
She's spent fifty-plus years getting feedback—subtle and overt—that her personality is 'a lot.' Now with menopause amplifying everything, she feels like she's fighting herself just to be socially acceptable.
She boldly confronted Jesus, argued with Him, refused to be dismissed, and wouldn't take no for an answer—pushy by any standard. Jesus didn't rebuke her persistence; He called it GREAT FAITH and healed her daughter IMMEDIATELY from a distance.
I REFUSE the lie that I need to shrink! IT IS WRITTEN that I am all fair and there is NO FLAW in me—God doesn't see me as 'too much,' He sees me as perfectly created! My voice, my opinions, my personality are not mistakes needing correction; they are GIFTS needing expression. IT IS WRITTEN that the blessing of Abraham is mine through Christ—I am blessed in every place I walk, and that includes walking in my full, authentic self. I don't have to apologize for existing. I am the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, and that includes my VOICE. The Father doesn't ask me to be quieter; He asks me to SHINE!
The Father doesn't hand you the robe while whispering 'but maybe be a little less yourself.' He's throwing open the doors, announcing your arrival, celebrating that you're HOME and fully YOU—that's the whole point of the party.