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Voices that lead us
Jen Mininger • Oct 29, 2019
You might not know this, but I have a super SLOW history regarding this photography business. Like many years of not accepting formal payments for my services…and I believe that the voices in my head from my own lies and fears have played a major role in this. I mean, are Lauren Daigle and I the only ones who have “voices in my head that say, ‘I”m not enough’”?
I think its safe to say that fear is one of the loudest voices and biggest reasons that I chose to grow SLOW! … fear of losing focus on my first loves, fear that I wouldn’t be present enough for my kids, fear of getting too big for my britches, fear of not knowing when to say “no”, fear of it interfering with my marriage, fear of letting down a paying client, ….fear, fear, fear…. And more fear
There were logistical reasons too, like…moving from state to state to state…. Starting when there was no social media, or even digital cameras. Word of mouth was quite different 15 – 20 years ago ..and I sure did not use my own mouth to tell others about this passion of mine! Other “hindrances” like having babies (5 of them), cancer, and serving along side my husband in ministry were definite reasons to hold back,…. Not too mention, I also moved slow because of not wanting to miss out on some of my Daddy’s last days here on earth.
I don’t regret all of this slow grow stuff… all of the waiting for the “right” timing. But I can acknowledge that there was some un-health in my waiting.
For instance, not believing that I had anything truly valuable to offer. That’s really silly when you think of it! And actually there is some false humility in this excuse.
What IS true, is that I DO have something valuable to offer…not because I’m some sort of special or something. In fact, Jess Connolly (https://jessconnolly.com) from my business coaching group, Go and Tell Gals (https://www.goandtellgals.com/), would say; “I’m off the hook…and, I don’t have to be special!”! Rather, God is special and He made me well, and He made you well, and He wants us to give each other the valuable things that He placed inside of us!! Does that make any sense to you???!!! Its beginning to make a whole heck of a lot of sense to me!
Anyway… you can imagine my overwhelming gratitude when I learned that God wanted to provide the funds to hire someone to create a professional website for me! WHAT?!!! Cue the confetti in my heart!! I feel so humbled and thankful…because I realize that He is providing this because He loves me and wants to bless me in this way… and also because He has a purpose in this small business!
A purpose that involves me. Me!
God wants to use me in my brokenness to come along side of others and comfort them with the comfort that I received!
Why wouldn’t God want to invest in something that brings His children comfort?!! (cue…”its time to get out of the way Jen and let God do His thing through me!”)
So… I met with Rachel … www.rachelklinecreative.com and began discussing with her what my business is all about. I told her how I offer normal photography services like portraits and weddings and such…but I also offer this unique service that I have named “Layered Photography”. As Rachel leaned in, I begin to explain to her what Layered Photography is. I told her about its beginnings…about a time when I took myself to a junk yard to capture the deeper layers of my heart, pieces of my broken…yet, hopeful story
I told her about how I wrestled with this project that I later named “Restorable”, and that out of that very powerful project, I began to see that I can offer a service to others just like I did for myself! A service that gives others opportunity to privately share pieces of their heart and story with me. A service that creates an experience to capture those deeper layers of a heart… a service that I named “Layered Photography”.
My goal in telling Rachel this was so that she would understand a bit of the heart and mission behind what I do…and that she might better help me communicate this passion in my little space here on the internet. What I didn’t see coming from this, was the moment when Rachel interjected and said, “Jen, I’d love for you to be a guest on the Thrive Podcast!!
What?!! Seriously?!
Friends, I didn’t even have to think about it, (which I typically do…actually, I typically over-think these things!!) but I just knew that this was something that God had for me. I wasn’t completely sure why, but I knew that I was to move forward in it!!
Fast forward….
I’m driving myself to the The Thrive Podcast recording. I feel calm…and nervous all at the same time. I have peace knowing that this was God’s idea and that He was going to see His purpose through it…but then, my peace gets interrupted with distracting thoughts like …”what if I say something stupid?”!
I begin recording with the very cool, fun, down-to-earth and relatable hosts, Christine and Rachel! Also, joining us was a super adorable baby in the room and two cutie pie toddlers just outside the room (Rachel had a babysitting hiccup that morning). I am sort of wiggling in my chair trying to figure out my role in this interview… and at the same time kind of sort of wanting to pick up that squishy little baby and just cuddle him! I was so mentally distracted at times that I had to close my eyes while talking to keep my focus…I was afraid that they would ask me a question and I would be like…”oh, sorry! What? What did you say?”!!
In hindsight…my personal pressure was completely unnecessary!! This podcast is intended to be real, casual and totally relaxed! So just chill, Jen…right?!! I did eventually settle in … but I think God used my distracted, and self-pressured brain to teach me something….
You see, I drove away from that podcast thinking I totally flopped it. Like I muddled through my words and didn’t communicate clearly…not too mention, I was probably TOTALLY boring!!!!…and maybe Christine and Rachel wouldn’t even want to share the episode!!
Oh.. the voices inside of our heads!!! These voices…this inner dialogue…its actually lies…lies that want to hold me back from doing something that God is equipping me to do.
Can you relate? I mean, are Lauren Daigle and I the only ones who have “voices in my head that say, ‘I”m not enough’”? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
Thankfully there are other voices!!
YOURS!
Because after it launched, I began to hear from so many of you… This is what some of you had to say…
“I just listened to your podcast! You are such an amazing person and I am so blessed that you are my friend. I know that must have been difficult and painful but you handled it beautifully! Jesus spoke through you and you showed tremendous wisdom and strength. I am so proud of you lovely!” – Victoria
“I just finished listening to your podcast! Great job, Jen” – Sharon
“Podcast was awesome! Loved listening to you!” – Julie
“I listened to your podcast yesterday. Very well done. You sounded very intelligent & ordered. And I’m a words girl! Your description of the 1st Restorable photos (the language) struck something deeper in me even then the photos did. I love that description!” – Lorrigan
“Wonderful interview Jen” – Steph
“ just listened to your podcast. I believe God used you and will continue to use in amazing ways. I appreciate your honestly, human approach & humor. Since I only ever wanted to be a wife & mom, I understand the hardship of accepting God’s plan outside of that job alone. Obviously, HE has made a way for you to do both and do them all well. I enjoyed hearing your story again. You did great!” – Darla
you guys…seriously! The words that these friends told me about the podcast was way different than the words (the lies) I was telling myself!
and I am thankful!
Because I KNOW….that it wasn’t just some girl striving for something meaningless… rather it was God just using and loving on His broken and beloved!
This unexpected opportunity that I KNEW God gave me to do, turned out to be a gift to me. A gift…. a reminder to LET God use me in my discombobulated state…and then TRUST and wait to see what treasures are ahead! It also served me as a reminder that FEAR that is fed from the internal voices is not a tool to be used to help me decide what I should or should not be doing!
Anyone else with me on that?!!
Friend…If you haven’t listened to it… please head to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thrive-podcast/id1363598827
and hear what God does through a few broken girls, just like you!
And, when you do listen…
I hope that you feel a sense of hope and encouragement…
I hope that you see God in it….and I hope that you thank Him for it!
I hope that you share it with your friends that they too might get in on this thing that God is beginning in me…for us!
…and I hope that you also are reminded that God uses us to encourage others even in our imperfect state…and then….somehow…we end up being seriously enriched!!
Listen in … https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thrive-podcast/id1363598827
… and don’t forget to leave a review and share it with your friends!
By the way..if you haven’t heard … The “Restorable” project is coming VERY soon for your eyes and your heart!…and you just might want to get on my email list so you don’t miss the Restorable launch! – send me an email and say “subscribe to email list” https://www.jenminingerphotography.com/contact
THANK YOU!
Thank you for sharing your encouraging words with me! For correcting the false voices in my head, and for spurring me on to continue on this journey! I am SO thankful for each of you!
Thank you for sharing your encouraging words with me! For correcting the false voices in my head, and for spurring me on to continue on this journey! I am SO thankful for each of you!
Xoxo,
Jen
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Bobbie went from full hustle to full halt and discovered what God can do in a valley season.
It ached to hear the harsh words that she knew could be her own, yet it felt so safe and reassuring to know that God sees her and wants her to have new lyrics in her own heart.
Acknowledging the dark as well as the light feels so honest and helpful in these moments. Although, I will warn, that it can also feel raw and not always easy, YET it is a kindness to ourselves when we start with honesty, isn't it? It is both, difficult and kind.
Letting go.. or saying "no" can be SO HARD ! We don't want to, we'd rather be awesome, all the time, in all the things! BUT... is that really working for you and your people? What do you need to steward (manage, maximize or multiply) better? Do you need to let go of something so that you may better steward something of more value… for a season?
Tracy leaned into the old car unafraid of the dirt and rust that she was now touching.
As I said in an email to my Belize Trip Prayer Team.. “ I am thankful. Actually, I am dumbfounded, humbled and in awe.”
C O N T A C T
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