Today, 4.29.17, is National Purpose Awareness day in The Bahamas and I thought it was a fitting day to re-launch my blog. After all, it was the events from this month, which stirred me and left me feeling reawakened to that which I was made for. For those who are new to my space, you can check out my previous posts here. I blogged fairly consistently from 2009 until 2014 and when I set it aside due to greater family and professional commitments, I honestly never gave this a second thought. Now that I am here again, I anticipate that this- blog 2.0 -will feel similar except it will be different. ;) The differences may be subtle but also in some areas, may be great as undoubtedly, I have grown, been stretched, and matured in the past 3 year hiatus. And honestly, if you know me, you know that's what I am about.
“ “If I am living, I am growing””
…has become a defining motto for me. I mean, what is the value of remaining in the same space? Seriously, stagnant water stinks and usually is not ideal for living beings. Life is too short and there are too many opportunities to seize and challenges to overcome, for me to stay the same and in the same space.
So lets start here. My purpose story, which ironically is a story of maturing. Some of you may have seen the FB post from earlier this month, this is an expansion of those thoughts.
If I had to begin somewhere, it would be most accurately captured here. With this Scripture...
““Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).”
Simply because my purpose story is rooted in my coming to the understanding of the fullness of the love extended to me by my Heavenly Father. You see, before the reality of this unconditional, irreversible love- my actions were limited by fear and were driven by the need for acceptance and approval. I joke that I am a recovering performing, approval-addict. You know…that person who derives their value from how well they perform and the subsequent approval of others. Both of which are rooted in an unhealthy fear. This fear laid the groundwork and continued to strengthen the lie that my self-worth was dependent on something. That "something" ended up fueling controlling and perfectionist tendencies, which may be productive for a season but ultimately, became a set-up for a life of frustration and insecurities.
When I finally accepted the perfect love of my Heavenly Father, then and only then was I able to reject the lie and slowly began to move from behind the bars that kept me imprisoned. Freedom came and this freedom allowed the greatness I was made for to be unlocked.
Before I go on, I should clarify that freedom was a process. I had to work through layers, to get to the point in my journey where I am at now. Fully present, [most days] confidently walking in the truth that I am not only deeply loved and fully accepted but #IamHere for a purpose and I will pursue that purpose unapologetically.
So…Who am I?
Similar to many of us, I function in different roles but I am intentional that each is purposeful. The primary role I choose to identify is daughter. Not just the daughter to my earthly parents, but a daughter to my Heavenly Father. I am a conduit of healing who carries the message of hope through each role, each program and each organization that I am a part. And every day, I am intentional about living on purpose. And sometimes... sometimes I do it afraid, because my security is in Him who made me and gave me a good hope and a future (purpose). Because I am destined for greatness I have to continue to remind myself, that my automatic response to shrink and play small doesn't serve the world I'm called to impact. I now understand that wholeness in individuals and communities, is connected to me living fully unlocked. And it is to that... living fully (on purpose) that I commit.
#giavanajones #psychologist #therapist #teacher #TEPBahamas #storiesofhopewithdrgia #epichealth #community #purposedriven #greatnessunlocked
grace, peace and love
-Dr Gia