Looking back at the late 80’s & early 90’s, when people were trying to be something they weren’t, so they could fit in, they were often referred to as “Wanna Be’s.” They either wanted to be a skateboarder, surfer, musician, goth, punk rocker, etc…you name it. Hence, why Aquanet, Vans and acid washed jeans became so popular. Whoever it was they were trying to mimic, they were made fun of and called a “wanna be.” Maybe you were one of them. I know I was.
In reality we should all wanna be something. Having a positive role model, a godly influence or spiritual mentor in your life is part of healthy admiration. God puts desires in our hearts that guide us in fulfilling our God given purposes. It’s a beautiful gift He gives, informing us how to navigate areas of our life.
Unfortunately, today’s cultural norms, more often then not, twist what God has intended for good. Ergo the proverbial apple. God intended the Garden of Eden to be a place where man could flourish, but instead Adam & Eve rejected the truth and wanted to be something they were not. They wanted to be like God. (You can read the full story in Genesis 3).
Sadly, “Wanna Be’s” got a bad wrap for looking up to people who were doing what they wanted to be doing, but hadn’t yet. For whatever reason; maybe their age, they were too young/old, they haven’t had the right opportunity yet, or possibly lacked monetary resources…the reasons are numerous.
If imitation is the highest form of flattery shouldn’t we be endeared if someone looks up to us? What a huge compliment to have someone esteem you.
However, I have noticed, especially in my years of ministry, some people are threatened when we want to enter the same lane as them. If we want to be resilient people who aren’t thrown off by the insecurities and fears of others, we have to understand that someone who wants to enter our lane doesn’t mean they’re trying to shove us off the freeway so they can get ahead of us…with the exception of a few I’m sure. If they do get “ahead of us,” that isn’t a bad thing either. Even Jesus said,
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
May I suggest “wanna be’s” most likely want to ride a little closer to you, to work with you, to learn from you, and be mentored or coached by you? There’s qualities they see in you that they want too, and you can share that gift, talent, wisdom, or experience with them.
I believe we should all create more space for others on this “highway of life.” Can you envision what it would look like to help others achieve their goals and get to their destination in the most direct way possible, ultimately helping them become who God created them to be? This is how we become resilient, not by eliminating potential but by paving the way for others. Resilient people see opportunity where others see opponents.
Where are you now? Are you a “wanna be” trying to figure it out? Or is someone looking to you? Do you remember how hard your struggles were? Do you remember being that “wanna be” at one time? Or maybe you are still now?
You once needed help on the way up. You haven’t always had all these years of experience behind you. The only reason you do now is because someone believed in you and gave you the opportunity to do so. I believe it’s time we return the “favor” and instead of trying to take someone else’s crown off their head, we joyfully fix it so they can walk taller, stronger and more confident in order to tackle whatever mountain they have to climb.
Wouldn’t it be so nice if instead of wanting someone to fall, you gave them a hand and helped them up? Would you shoulder their load and point them in the right direction? Inwardly, I think there are times we want to see some people crash and burn. I’ve been guilty of that myself. If it wasn’t for the sheer grace of God in our lives, our flesh would take over and the worst would get the better of us, and we would gloat all over their mis-happenings.
Do you know how much it would mean to someone if instead of shutting the elevator door on them because there’s not enough room “at the top,” we held the door, made room for them and rode up together? The more the merrier right? Let’s be open to all the “wanna be’s” out there!
I hope to live in a way where someone wants to be like me, not because I’m fulfilling a role or have a title to my name, but for how I treat people and make people feel. I pray my character would influence others more than what I accomplish (or don’t) and whatever small contributions I make would be worth mirroring.
I “wanna be” someone who makes room for others at the table so NO ONE feels left out and is left watching from the sidelines. Whether they are more talented, educated, funny, smart, experienced, skinny or pretty, there’s a seat for everyone at the table! There’s enough room at the “top.” There’s enough opportunities to go around, and there’s so much more to gain as we journey together on the same road.
What do you “wanna be?” Who will you help along the way?
Cheering you on to greater Resilience!
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Rediscovering Resilience 