Britta Lafont

Britta Lafont

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October 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment

My Purpose is Not about Me

31 Days to a More Abundant Life

My Purpose is Not about Me

A few years ago, there was a suicide attempt by the son of one of my husband’s colleagues. My kids overheard part of a phone conversation about it and wanted to know what was wrong, who was hurt? They were 8 and 10.

So I decided it was time to unpack those difficult things for them. If they had been younger, I might have avoided this mature and macabre topic. But it’s my job to help them frame the pictures they see in this world. I want to be the one that gives them Truth, firsthand.

Suicide is hard to explain to naive and happy hearts. Not knowing the particular circumstances, I said, “Sometimes people lose hope. They may be overwhelmed by discouragement and think that their lives have no worth or purpose.” Wide, wide eyes looked back at me. This did not really compute for them.

My children have always been taught about their purpose and their worth. They could not imagine anything erasing that knowledge. They were, and still are, young. But I know the road of discouragement. I had often wondered, like so many, at adolescence and beyond, Why am I here? What difference does my life make, anyway?

My Purpose is Not about Me

As a teenager, I had read the Bible. I knew the Gospel. I loved the Lord. But my heart could not overcome my own sense of worthlessness, to really understand my place in this world. Even as an adult, I’ve struggled with feelings of inferiority.

Finally, as I was teaching my children, I heard the crystal clear answer in a catechism. This was Truth that I had not not really experienced as a child or an adult:

Q: What is the primary purpose of man?

A: The primary purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 1).

My purpose is not about me; rather it is about Him.

This truth does not diminish me. On the contrary, when my purpose is joined with His, my life has eternal significance. [tweetthis]when my purpose is joined with His, my life has eternal significance.[/tweetthis]  When I fulfill my calling by giving Him glory, nothing is wasted.[tweetthis]When I fulfill my calling by giving Him glory, nothing is wasted.[/tweetthis] This is why we feel encouraged and uplifted by lifting Him up, in praise. Try it! Read this aloud:

Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Tell of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him;
strength and joy are in His place.
1 Chron 16:23-27

We are made to glorify God. When we are doing what we’re made for, we feel comfortable in our own skin—we feel worthwhile when we worship.[tweetthis]We feel worthwhile when we worship.[/tweetthis]

We feel worthwhile when we worship the Worthy One. Phil 4:8

Are you like me? Is it a relief to acknowledge: my purpose is not about me?

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In my typical social media introvert fashion, I re In my typical social media introvert fashion, I realize I didn’t share Gracie’s post on my feed at the time. 🤦🏻‍♀️
We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️ We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️
When the first day of school is also the day your When the first day of school is also the day your firstborn drives herself to college, it’s a lot. We moved her stuff into her dorm last week. Today she got up early to say goodbye to Dad (too early! Not pictured 😂), her brother, her doggo, her piano, and her momma. Before she left, she made blueberry scones to share with her little bro @sjoshlafont —they homeschool and relocated together, went to @westminsteroakmtn together, and have shared a love of music, Legos, superheroes (and villains), Transformers, and so much more. She played my favorite song. She even made banana bread to bring to her new roomie. @graciethenerd You are my little nut brown hare, and I love you to the moon and back. Auburn University is a better place because you are there! ❤️
Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Today he got his braces off. I just can’t believe it—where did the time go? @sjoshlafont
I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m r I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m reflecting today and feeling grateful for my sweet girl, my baby, my first-born. 🥰 She sure is a blessing to our family and her friends. Also, so grateful for the wonderful school where she spent the last four years—the perfect place to land after years of homeschooling on the move. “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Ps 100:5) #curatingthegood #graduated🎓 #wisebeyondheryears @graciethenerd @lafonte04 @westminsteroakmtn
Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so gra Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so grateful for my people!! 🤗 ❤️@graciethenerd @thecardboardqueen @lafonte04 
#Psalm8 #highlandlakes #birminghamalabama
My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has f My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has found a way to share her birthday with friends all year long. This past week, I had to privilege to be her #FOTW You can read about her plan to celebrate her birthday by celebrating others in the link to her blog at the end of this post. That’s SO like Amy. 🤗 https://www.messymiddle.com/52-cards-52-weeks-52-years/ #curatingthegood
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