Hi Reader!

Do you ever struggle with imposter syndrome?

You know — that illogical feeling that you're a fraud or incompetent, despite all the evidence clearly proving otherwise?

That's what I've been dealing with lately.

Maybe you can relate.

After my solo exhibit in February (i.e., a very big accomplishment), I felt burnt out. The ease and joy I once felt when painting had somehow been replaced with tension and stress. I knew it was time for a shift.

So, after lingering around for a while, I decided to pick up watercolors. With my painting technique of diluting acrylics into washes and layering to build depth, I thought it'd be an easy and natural transition.

But it hasn't been what I expected.
In fact, it's been kind of hard.

So hard, that I've been noticing thoughts popping up questioning whether I'm actually a real artist or if my past work was just a fluke.

But here's one thing I know — my artistic ability is a gift. A good gift.
And every good gift is from above, coming down from the Father (James 1:17).

So what gives? I've got a hunch.

Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). He tries to twist truth and the way we see our identity. He wants to get us off-track from our God-given assignments in any way that he can — be it through external sources, like other people, or internal ones, like our own thoughts.

So, if you can relate, I want to share some verses I've kept handy lately to fight the lies.

First of all, take every thought captive:

Then, remember who you are:

Next, remind yourself that you don't have to be "strong":

Lastly, keep going.

At the end of the day, I've discovered that imposter syndrome is just rooted in fear. All the things I'm afraid of try to rise up against me to try to stop me, or at least slow me down.

If you can relate, maybe this song I stumbled upon will bless you. The chorus of it says, "Everything that I'm afraid of is afraid of You." I hope you'll give it a listen.

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With love, grace, and gratitude,