Writer Imposter Syndrome by Tina Yeager

Writer Imposter Syndrome

by Tina Yeager

“‘Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’”

(Judges 6:15, NIV).

My scroll froze on an elegant social media post. However professional it might appear to others, this organization’s graphic glared at me. The promoted event boasted accomplished authors and producers as guest speakers. I grimaced at the sight of my photo, which seemed sorely out of place among them.

I balked at this opportunity as I had at so many others. In speaking, writing, and all forms of communication. My soul dreamed of open doors to share words, yet insecurity chided me to expect the slam of failure. Self-doubts invaded my mind to censor the divine messages in my heart.

Do I have anything of value to say? Surely a more successful writer could deliver greater benefit to the audience. Isn’t it foolish to believe God would commission someone so unproven, unaccomplished, and unacclaimed?

My clinical training would identify this thought pattern as “imposter syndrome.” Yet my creative insecurities denied those therapeutic insights. After all, how could this shame be a fallacy if the facts declared it true?

The Lord dispelled these clouding thoughts with the light of his word. He reminded me that he is the only truth and shame does not exist within him.

The Holy Spirit also illuminated God’s history of choosing the unproven, unaccomplished, and unacclaimed. He plucked Moses from a murder sentence, Gideon from an anxious pit, David from the pasture. He chose a scrappy band of unqualified apostles who often proved obtuse to his teaching. The resumes of God’s appointed messengers fall short by any worldly standard.

But the Lord sees more in us than facts, track records, or human potential. He envisions what imperfect vessels can accomplish when submitted to his perfect anointing.

The Creator has invited us to serve as his message bearers. We could never earn this prestigious calling. Nor can we fulfill our God-ordained purposes without him. The one thing we can do, however, is choose who will define our story. Will we grant authority to shame or the Redeemer? We decide whether to remain in the pit of our frailty or respond to God’s power in faith.

Savior, thank you for redeeming me from the pits of death, shame, and hopelessness. I surrender my doubts at your nail-scarred feet. I submit my words, time, and opportunities to your will. And I choose to trust you with the potential you envision in my calling. Amen.