Podcast: Play in new window
When we look around at the world we live in, it’s evident how intentional and detailed God was when he designed it—the colors, the temperatures, the incredible variety of living beings, the seasons, and even the rhythm of time; if earth were just slightly out of place, we wouldn’t be able to live on it. When you stop and think about the intricacy of the created world, it’s breathtaking. But consider this: Do you believe that you, whom God has set above all creation and made in his image (Gen 1) are equally as planned—equally as intricate and breathtaking, if not more so? God was intentional when he created you. He made you just the way you are for a reason. God, who chose to give you life, has set you apart for a specific purpose by giving you your unique personality and passions!
He sees you as a precious gift.
Let’s be honest, though: we often don’t feel like gifts. We often wish we had been made differently. And even if we see things about ourselves that are useful, admirable, or even beautiful, we might not know what to do with them.
I firmly believe that while it’s okay not to have all the answers, we should also take responsibility for discovering our unique set of gifts and using those gifts to make our unique, God-ordained contributions to this world. You and I owe it to the God who gave us life to understand our gifts, grow in our abilities, pay attention to our interests, and honor our unique natures or personalities.
Morgan Harper Nichols is an acquaintance of mine who understands the importance of accepting and honoring the skin God has placed you in. She also knows that appreciating who God made you to be can be difficult, and might take time. Morgan has walked this road herself—discovering how beautiful she is in the scope of God’s creating beings and then deploying her beauty into the world. In today’s podcast, Morgan and I talk about how she learned to appreciate what makes her different and acknowledge how she could bless others. In our conversation we touch on everything from personality and talents, to self-doubt and insecurities. Morgan has been through it all, and now knows what it means to see what makes her different and instead of questioning it, agree with how God chose to craft her life.
Our conversation will help you closely examine your own life and see it differently. I believe that when you do, you will see that the reason God made you different is that he wants you to make a difference in this world!
But don’t forget: you have to do the work of digging to find the gold gold that God strategically placed in you. As Morgan has embraced her life and giftings, not only has she herself grown, but the overflow of her embracing what God sees in her has impacted countless others.
But do you know the good news? God is no respecter of persons. He doesn’t pick and choose based on what humans see as “merit.” In fact, he finds the greatest glory in using unexpected people (1 Corinthians 1:26-31), and what he has done for others, he will do for you. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Highlight from Today’s Episode:
- Finding peace on bad days
- Turning weakness into strength
- Battling comparison
- Practical ways to write creatively
- Putting language to who you are
Resources From Today’s Show
- Share your story w/ Morgan Harper Nichols via Instagram. Simply send her a DM!
- Click here to stay connected and be encouraged by Morgan’s incredible stories and artwork.
- Grab Morgan’s book “Storyteller”
==> Click to Tweet
- “There are many ways your gifts can come to life.” – Morgan Harper Nichols
- “I can be upset without letting my feelings stop me from what I know I’ve been called to do.” – Morgan Harper Nichols
- “I have to believe that God is more creative than I am. – Morgan Harper Nichols
- Even when I have really good ideas, it doesn’t even scratch the surface of His ideas for my life.” – Morgan Harper Nichols
==> General Links
- If you haven’t already grabbed your free download, you can do so by clicking here!
- Did you miss my last podcast with my writing coach, Margot Starbuck? Make sure you listen!
- Want to subscribe to the blog and grab a freebie? CLICK HERE
- Grab my latest book, She’s Still There!
- Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Tony Evans
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!
- What insecurity are you feeding that is preventing you from enjoying your life in this season? How are you choosing to deal with that insecurity?
- Is there a gift brewing in you, or maybe even lying dormant, that you have discounted? What is holding you back from sharing it with the world around you?
- How might talking with your close community help you understand your gift? Are willing to do the work of self-reflection by examining the dynamics of the relationships you have with the people in your life?
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!
3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
In a world that is seemingly set up for the success of extroverts, it can make those of us with introverted tendencies feel as though we are somehow not enough. This podcast was a much needed reminder of God’s ability to use anybody in the way that He intended. It was great to hear from Morgan. I love all of your podcasts, but thank you especially for this one.
I was really confused if I wrote the first comment dated 10/30/18. But I don’t believe that was me lol. I really enjoyed this podcast. I’m a fan of both Jamie Grace and Morgan. One of my favorite songs from Morgan is “Grateful”…I feel encouraged to let God use me in the way He pleases. I want to have that diligence that allows me to be used in a divine way. Some times I know i just don’t exercise it like I should, but I still see God every now and then use me in some little way. Morgan’s music (and this podcast) just brings me in align with God’s presence in my life. (Listening to “Grateful” as i write this)….Thank you Lord for your blessing of sharing with each other!
P.S. Wynter’s passing and legacy also made me want to follow God and be in step with Him, listening to Him and letting Him lead me. I’m encouraged by all you’re sharing Chrystal! Thank you!
Chrystal thank you for this podcast. I come across Morgan’s writing work by accident while surfing for various sayings to paint. What talent, what a ministry. I knew about her singing through her sister. This was a very enlightening and encouraging podcast. Thank you for sending us here for the 21 Day Journey.
Thanks for joining me on the journey!