You measure up by Jessica Thompson

Dear Friend,

Growing up in the late 90's I had the privilege to watch my cousin shine as an All-Star state and national athlete. In college, he and his team made NCAA history. This experience sparked something within me to pursue basketball. Fast forward, I introduced the game to my little brother and he also turned out to be a phenomenal athlete. But for some reason, I was just "OK." Over the years I would constantly compare their journey with mine. They both went to prestigious schools, with their names in lights and on media books, tickets, and could be seen on just about any media outlet. And here I was just barely making it (so I thought). In the community I grew up, sports was a big deal, and the more successful your were in them...the more successful you were in life (another lie). I compared my success to the success of my brother, and cousin and felt "less than."

Although we all made school history, went to college on full scholarships and graduated, the enemy had lied and said how I was never good enough because I wasn't like them. It wasn't until God showed me exactly who I was! HE reminded me that I was created to do exactly what He called me to! If I had never came to Arkansas life as I know would have been different. I'm thankful for the moment when He revealed to me that I had been given exactly what I needed "according to my own ability!" (see Matthew 25:15) I wasn't a 6 foot 8 center called to play in packed out arenas. I was just Jess, a 5'10 center playing for small home town crowds.And that's OK!!! I know now I can only succeed at being me.I am successful because I did what He wanted me to do. And you can only succeed at being you. Life is too short to live stressed when you're JessBlessed!

Love,

Jess

Check out today's Coffee and Conversations on YouTube: You already measure up. https://youtu.be/ZS0pJ3zxrek

Jessica Thompson M.ED (@jessblessed) is a third grade teacher for LL.OWENS school in Pine Bluff, she is an active member of Canaan Christian Center and the Vice President of Operations for LMJ (LaKisha M. Johnson Ministries) Ministries. Jess is married to Eddie and they have five (5) beautiful children.