I was watching a show the other day and one guy said to another, “Good on you.” Now, basically, it’s just the equivalent of “good job” or “congratulations,” but it just has a little something more to it. I’ve decided that I’m going to start using it more in my encounters with other women and moms.

For instance…

You monogrammed your child’s diaper bag, onesies, diaper covers and sippy cup sleeves? Well, good on you.

You just ran ten miles while pushing the toddler in a jogging stroller, nursing the baby and eating homemade granola? Well, good on you. 

Women have, somehow, bought into the lie that “good on you” has to mean “bad on me.” The enemy has distorted our view of things until we are unable to acknowledge the gifts in another woman without feeling envious of her or disgusted with ourselves. The reality is that you and I have different gifts. Not better. Not worse. Not the leftover gifts that no one else wanted. Just different.

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. – Romans 12:6

Having gifts. You have gifts. I have gifts. All God’s children have gifts. Some women sew. Some women cook. Some women are excellent listeners. Some women {ahem} overshare in an attempt to make other women feel better. Some women can make people laugh. Some women can soothe the weary with a word.

God did not say, “If you happen to have a gift…” or “If I remembered to give you a gift…” or “If you were good enough to receive a gift…” No, God said, {okay, technically this is Paul. but it is totally inspired by God}, “Having gifts…” There is the assumption that you have gifts. It’s easy to be so distracted by other people’s gifts that we fail to see our own.

That differ. We do not have the same gifts, y’all. We just don’t. I have friends that are home birthing, natural birthing, grit-your-teeth-and-push superstars. Do you know what I say to that? I say, “Good on you and pass the epidural” all in the same breath and I don’t even feel guilty. Pain tolerance is not one of my gifts. {In my defense, all of my babes were c-sections so it wasn’t an option. I know, however, that pain medicine was going to be in the picture regardless.}

There is freedom in acknowledging our differences, friends. And freedom feels good.

Use them. Right next to the assumption that you have gifts is the command that you use them. You were given a specific gift {or gifts} for a purpose. Maybe that purpose somehow benefits you. It is more likely, however, that you were given your gifts for the good of those around you.

Look at the gifts Paul lists.

Prophecy.

Service.

Teaching.

Encouragement.

Generosity.

Leadership.

Mercy.

These are all gifts that bless the people who are on the receiving end. To stay in the shadows and pretend that you have no gifts is not humility. It is selfishness.

So, the next time you are tempted to be intimidated by someone else’s gifts, learn to say, “Good on you.”

All together now.

Good. on. you.