UMC20250518 - Imposter Syndrome¶
In my new role at school, I have the privilege of meeting with a global team each week to discuss technical issues affecting schools in our various regions and how we can resolve them. Over the past few meetings, I've found that when I raise what I believe is an important point, I sometimes stumble over my words. Then I panic, wondering if what I am saying makes sense at all. That panic makes me stumble even more—and the cycle continues. Afterwards, I often leave the meeting wondering: What merit do I even have being in this room with all these big players?
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? It can be deeply discouraging if we take it too seriously. But the truth is, we are where we are because we’ve demonstrated the ability to be there.
One Old Testament story that brings me comfort is the call of Moses in the book of Exodus. God says to Moses:
“I have indeed heard the cry of my people... now I am sending you to the king of Egypt so that you can lead my people out of his country.”
To which Moses replies:
“I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
And later he pleads:
“Don’t send me. I am a poor speaker, slow and hesitant.”
And yet, God sends him anyway.
When we act in spite of our anxiety, we aren’t just being brave—we’re being faithful. We’re trusting that even our trembling efforts can play a part in something much bigger than ourselves. God doesn’t need us to be confident; He invites us to be available.
There is strength in showing up shaky, in speaking with uncertainty, and in doing what needs to be done anyway—because we believe that even in our weakness, we are contributing to the Kingdom.
Faith isn’t the absence of fear. It’s moving forward with the belief that God can use us through the fear.
So if your voice shakes, let it shake. If your heart races, let it race. But don’t disqualify yourself. You are where you are for a reason. God is at work—in you, and through you.
And that is more than enough.
Love,
Cliff