Gone Too Soon: A Lesson on Societal Pressures

By Missy E.

RE: Miss USA Cheslie. Here and there, I've still been contemplating the downfall of this beautifully intelligent and successful woman. It wasn't until I stumbled upon this project I'm editing and this author's words stuck out like a deer in headlights. I want to paraphrase and let it marinate with us:

The narrative that being average, is failing. How some may find that being ordinary is not okay and does not bring fulfillment with life that they become victims of their own misery just to be in their own league.

PHEW. Social media does feed us everyone's highlight reel and I am not devoid of sipping that kool-aid. What a lie we feed ourselves on the daily, when we're really exceptional in ordinary ways. Have we set standards that this world pressures us into believing is valued? This world is filled with fallacy; watch what you eat.

I think about the ordinary life of a young carpenter in Nazareth and while we never got too many details on his days growing up, besides when he started his public ministry, what if those were the best of times? What if the process was the real progress? Are we so focused on the outcome, the comparison, that we don't even recognize the leaps and bounds we've taken, whether internally or externally?

Truly, I think we've all felt the pressures of life; whether it were to succeed, aim for perfection or be excellent. But are we making a fear of disappointment? From what external factors?

If we see ourselves through the lens of our Creator, we must remember we are loved, protected, worthy and enough. Rinse and repeat that mantra:You are loved, protected, worthy and enough. But if we can't see ourselves through that lens, we can just turn on the national news and see how our lives are ones that some people in this world can only dream of.

God has a purpose and a plan for each and every life created. You are loved, protected, worthy and enough.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.