The In-Between Place: A 7-Day Reading Plan With Kat ArmstrongExemplo

No Woman Is An Island

I want to live as fiercely and independently as possible. It could be tempting to excuse this fact as “just the way I am.” When it comes to self-reliance, my cabling is made of steel. 

I regret to admit, however, that self-sufficiency is not the way of Christ. 

Like any good girl raised to earn an honest living, I like getting what I deserve. Combine that rearing with the fact that I live in a society oriented toward rewarding the renegade boot-strappers living the American dream? You’ve got a Christ-follower who’s supposed to rely upon the Lord with desperate dependence, but who is keen on proving “no woman is an island.” 

Things have changed now post-Internet. The world is our oyster. The sky is the limit. Greatness is our destiny. Everything we need and want is one life hack away. Forget just being the masters of our own ships; let’s sail those ships, claim the islands, name them after ourselves, and monetize the plots on the beachfront.

If you and I were peering over our steaming cups of tea or coffee, I’d lean in and ask you what self-sufficiency skills you’ve been trying to master and if they are serving you well. Is your survival tactic perfectionism? Our in-between places hold fertile ground for the seeds of “If I can just get this perfect I’ll move forward.” Is your plan apathy? Choosing not to care, or numbing yourself from excitement by choosing not to celebrate your wins? Focusing on our own potential seems to be another popular survival tactic that many of us venture into when we feel lost or stuck. Or maybe your habit is isolation—holing up, keeping yourself away from your friends, declining get-togethers, opting out of Bible study and small group, rejecting invitations to get out of the house. 

None of these tactics will make our in-between places less hard. In fact, I think they will make them worse.

Grasping at perfection, apathy, and isolation won’t serve us well in the long run. I know you know that already. So, give them up. Give up on self-sufficiency and give in to Jesus’ sufficiency, love, and companionship.

Prayer:

Father, I confess I am not an island and don’t want to go through this in-between place on my own. Help me embrace your power and presence and reject self-sufficiency. Amen.   

We hope this reading plan encouraged you. Learn more about THE IN-BETWEEN PLACE by Kat Armstrong.