“I am enough.” I see this phrase in a lot of places and it seems to be increasing. I see it on rings, bracelets and t-shirts. At first I agreed because I was trying to use it to help me stand taller, to help me battle shame, to feel acceptable. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it isn’t true, I am not enough.

I’m not enough to make it through this world in an authentic and honoring way. You see, on my own, I am an enough to be an alcoholic. On my own, I am enough to be shrouded in darkness, barely able to process my pain and anger without blowing apart and collapsing into a heap on the floor. On my own, I am enough to make a complete mess of things and live in a constant cycle of shame and self-medication. I am enough to make my life horrible. I am not enough to live well.

I am not enough, but Jesus in me is more than enough! Without God, I wouldn’t bother getting up out of bed because I have already seen the carnage my “enoughness” leaves behind. God is who empowers me to be able to breathe, encounter, engage and love. God is who sustains me when life gets overwhelming and I want to self-medicate. God is who loves me regardless of my past and never shames me. I am not enough, but Jesus is.

The beauty of it all is that Jesus knew I could never be enough, and He knew you couldn’t either, so He made sure we had a Helper with us forever, Holy Spirit. In John 14:16, Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is how we get through our day in and day out choices well. He’s our guide and our helper. He’s an amazing gift from God and He is what enables all of who follow Jesus to do just that…follow Jesus.

I am not enough. You are not enough. But when Jesus steps into your story and leaves you with the Holy Spirit, you have all you need, you have more than enough!

Shalom,

KA