Stop Being Selfish. Your Purpose is Not About You.

The quest to find one’s purpose can be a daunting one. How do you know where to start? How do you know you’re moving in the right direction? Last night on Periscope I shared how I knew I found my purpose, as a part of the #BlackBizScopeChallenge. The more I continue to get confirmation on walking in my purpose, the more I realize that it’s not about me. And if you’re still searching for yours or not pursuing it, let me be the one to tell you: it’s not about you either.

If you haven’t read The Purpose Driven Life, I encourage you to do so. But just last week, I was reading a devotional by Pastor Rick Warren, and this is what the message said:

Your greatest ministry comes not out of your strengths or talents but out of your painful experiences

Your purpose is self-less. Your purpose is designed to release someone else from their own mental prison. Your purpose was designed to move you out of your comfort zone. Your purpose is not about you. Last night I talked about two specific times that I received the “God wink” that I was walking in my purpose.

The first time happened in 2013 as a result of me writing for BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com. When I started blogging, I wasn’t sure of my purpose. I just knew that it would be a gateway to helping me discover it. But in 2013, I was still trying to figure it out; wondering if I was a good enough writer; wondering if my words were being read or even helping anyone. I was wondering if I was cut out for this blogging thing. And then I received an e-mail entitled, “I need you in my life”. It stopped me dead in my tracks. I was almost afraid to open it because I didn’t know the sender and wasn’t sure if it was spam.

Well, I opened it, and it moved me to tears. Here is some of what the e-mail said:

“…Seeing your blogs were just what the dr.order. I need a mommy plan; when you look at my fb profile a beautiful woman  staring back at you. If you dropped by my home right now you would see a mean-ass, all over the place, angry, overwhelmed frustrated yet loving, endearing person; their is beauty somewhere in there…wait is that an ear-ring in your hair! Yes, I look a MESS! I am, struggling deeply with postpartum…”

I started Moms ‘N Charge® because it was a need I had for myself at the time. I wanted to create a safe place for moms to encourage them. To encourage people like her that were struggling to keep it together. When I was having doubts, God sent this e-mail as a reminder to me.

Over the past almost three years since then, I’ve received countless e-mails, Facebook messages and Twitter messages from people thanking me for doing what I’m doing.

One of the other greatest confirmations I received was shortly after my sister and I launched our book. In the book, I shared my experience of being raped in high school. I struggled with writing that chapter because I didn’t want to share that story. I had dealth with it, my husband was the only one who knew about it, and he got me through those emotions. Once I let go, and remembered that it wasn’t about me, I was able to write the chapter with ease. I didn’t know why God wanted me to write it, but I did. And then I received a message on Twitter from a dear friend that said:

“Thank you for sharing your story. I have finally been able to stop blaming myself for what happened to me.”

I still tear up thinking about her message because how selfish was it of me to not want to share that part of my story, simply because I dealt with it and had moved on? Had I not shared that, she would still be carrying that blame and guilt.

So my question to you is this: how are you being selfish in not pursuing your purpose? Where is it that you’re holding back?

You can take a look at all of the thirty plus five-star reviews of Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? on Amazon before you take my word for this being a book you need to add to your arsenal. And of course, Purpose Driven Life is one to review more than once in your lifetime.

Check out the Periscope video below to see the four questions you should ask yourself on finding your purpose. And remember that if walking in your purpose was easy, everyone would be doing it.

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13 Comments

  • Allison Jones
    November 4, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    This is so spot on! We often forget that our lives are meant to touch others. If others are being inspired by what I’m doing and saying in any way, that’s a win in my book. I sometimes get discouraged when my blog’s numbers aren’t where I want them to be, but as soon as I get a comment from someone saying that I inspired them, I know that I’m on the right track and doing exactly what I should be.

    LiveLifeWell,
    Allison Jones

  • kita
    November 5, 2015 at 1:23 AM

    You had to write it…it heals when you share your experience with others because you never know who is going through something and that passage may save them. I hold myself back because I always feel like so many others have networks and ways to grow and I have to fight by myself but I look back and see how far I have come it’s been great.
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  • Joanna
    November 5, 2015 at 10:49 AM

    I’ve heard about this book. I think I should add to my reading list. It’s true. Whatever you go through is to strengthen others and push you to your destiny. Love this!
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  • Stacie
    November 5, 2015 at 3:25 PM

    Preach! Yes, it’s so easy to forget that we are hear to be a blessing to someone else. Thanks for the reminder!
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  • Siobhan (BeFree Project)
    November 5, 2015 at 8:47 PM

    Christine, this post was soooo inspiring. I love the quote you shared and I couldn’t agree more. I recently realized that my story is tied to my purpose. My childhood was VERY dysfunctional and for a long time I was embarrassed by the things that had happened to me. Like you I started sharing with my audience and people started emailing or commenting thanking me for sharing. You’ve inspired me to write a post to share more of my story because I know that people will be helped.

    Siobhan
    http://www.befreeproject.com

  • Staci
    November 5, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    So true! It’s amazing how we can inspire other through our unique life stories!
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  • Nicole (Nicole's Lifestyle Lounge)
    November 5, 2015 at 10:51 PM

    Christine, get out of my head girl! I know completely understand… and you’re right “our purpose is not for us.”
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  • Jonna Scott-Blakes
    November 6, 2015 at 12:17 AM

    I’ve been holding back from helping other bloggers and sharing what I’ve learned. But I’m about to jump into it soon and launch a webinar and blogging eCourse next week!
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  • Tyra
    November 6, 2015 at 1:38 AM

    What a great way to think of your purpose. It isn’t about you but instead what you can do for the world and others. Love this.
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  • Mimi Green
    November 6, 2015 at 7:18 AM

    That was a powerful scope. I’m not 100% in my purpose but I believe I’m getting close. I feel like I’m working towards greatness.

    I know I have stories in my that I’ve not shared. I’m pretty certain they could help someone.
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  • Holly
    November 6, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    Thank you for this. It is always important to be reminded of such.
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  • DonnaTruly
    November 7, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    Great post. This is another reminder for me to go finish The Purpose Driven Life.
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  • Chasing Joy
    November 8, 2015 at 8:30 PM

    Great post. It is awesome when we get feedback that let’s us know we are on the right track and helping people.
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