No More Shrinking: Choosing to Carry All God Put in Me

This week, I’m choosing to walk fully in the grace that God has given me to be.

God’s word to me is simple, yet profound: “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). And with that, He reminds me, I am who He has called me to be.

Identity Is Not One-Dimensional

For so long, I have always known certain parts of me could exist together. That I can be strong and still be soft.

That I can be creative and still be practical. That I can be spiritual and still be ambitious. I don’t have to choose. God didn’t design me in fragments. He designed me whole.

I am Ayo the wife.

I am Ayo the mother.

I am Ayo the writer.

I am Ayo the event planner.

I am Ayo the electronics engineer.

I am Ayo, working in the vineyard of God.

I am Ayo who loves fashion.

I am Ayo who loves music.

I am Ayo the Aunt.

The list is endless. 

All of these pieces belong to me. They can live together, thrive together, and even bless others because they all come from Him.

What If You Don’t Know Yet?

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking: But I don’t even know my gifts. I don’t know how my life fits together. That’s okay. Here are some practical ways to start:

1. Pray for revelation. Ask God to show you what He’s already placed in you.

2. Pay attention to joy. The activities that light you up often point to your calling.

3. Look for confirmation. Notice what people consistently come to you for advice, encouragement, problem-solving.

4. Experiment. Try new things, even in small ways, and see where you sense God’s peace.

5. Affirm daily. Speak life over yourself until your heart catches up with the truth.

Scripture for the Week

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Affirmation 

I am who God has called me to be.

I do not have to shrink, separate, or silence myself.

My gifts can coexist. My roles can coexist.

And by His grace, I can carry them all.

Reflection 

Where have I been shrinking myself because I thought two things in me couldn’t coexist? How can I lean on God this week to carry it all?

Prayer 

Lord, thank You for designing me whole. Teach me not to deny any part of who You’ve made me to be. Give me wisdom to balance my roles, grace to walk in purpose, and faith to trust that You sustain what You create. Amen.