Recently, I have been blessed to have some great professional moments, including:

• Leading priest assemblies & convocations for dioceses. Generally, I am the only lay person in the room.

• Coach / train / form Catholic professionals from across the country and internationally.

• Have deep conversations with folks that are struggling and be able to help them.

• Been an instrument God used to convert others to Jesus and his Church.

• Be “in the room” for the planning of huge initiatives that are having a global impact.

• Been asked by Catholic bishops to help them in their work.

• “you are a fraud”,
• “you are unworthy”,
• “you don’t belong”, and
• “you will fail when they find out.” 

It is a lie, but it feels so very true. 

IMPOSTER SYNDROME HAS ALWAYS EXISTED

Imposter syndrome is nothing new. Even the Saints have felt it.

**In Luke 5, when Jesus causes the miraculous catch of fish, the reaction of the future first Pope isn’t just amazement at the miracle or faith in Jesus. Rather, it is imposter syndrome. “But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’” -Luke 5:8. Peter feels unworthy and unable to do what is asked of him. He feels like he is a fraud.

**St. Teresa of Avila struggled with believing she was unworthy of being a religious sister, because she was such a bad sinner. Initially, she resisted joining the convent because of her doubts and sin, thus giving into imposter syndrome. Eventually God worked on her heart and she entered her vocation, but she still suffered from sin and doubt for many years. She is now considered one of the great Saints of the Church, a mystic, and is a Doctor of the Church.

Haven’t we all felt like St. Peter and St. Teresa? Haven’t we all heard the lies that say

• You are not worthy

• You are not called

• It isn’t God's will for you

• You aren’t good enough (or at all)

• You aren’t gifted enough (or have the wrong ones)

• You can’t be holy / virtuous / prayerful enough

• Others are better, more qualified, smarter, more talented. They should be in my place.

It starts by doubting God is capable of using someone like me. Thus, it really comes down to a lack of faith and is more about doubting God than doubting yourself. It is toxic and if we allow it to penetrate our hearts, it can stunt our growth or cause backsliding. It is spiritually dangerous.

It impacts our identity as children of God, our calling by God to do his work, and our ability to allow him to work through us. We need to reject it and find a better way to operate.

THE CURE

The cure is to let God be God and work in and through you. Yes, you are a sinner. Yes, you are limited and weak. Yes, you are imperfect and wounded. Yes, you aren't insufficient. In all this, God still works and moves and can do big things. Every Saint, except Mary, sinned. They fell short. They were unworthy. They were imperfect and wounded. They were insufficient. Still God used them.

This is the mystery of how God works in and through our humanity. He WANTS to use us to show his glory. It is right when we know we aren’t worthy, sufficient, good enough, etc. and we still consent to allow God to use us that the glory of the almighty shows through. Thus, St. Paul writes:
“[God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Cor 12: 9-10

What is Paul’s strength? God

What is Paul’s weakness? His humanity

When Paul acknowledges that his weakness (humanity) is not enough to do the work of his ministry and then allows his strength (God) to work instead, what happens? Miracles. Changed hearts. Conversions. Renewed lives. Etc. 

We too can do the work God has called us to do in our ministry, evangelization, discipleship, and Christian life. In fact, God WANTS TO WORK THROUGH YOU TODAY! Your worthiness isn’t determined by a list of achievements. It is determined by the call of God. That same voice who called Peter, Paul, and other sinners who are now great Saints. That same voice that spoke and created you.

You are a child of God called to do great things for His Kingdom, His glory, His name. Called to be an instrument of salvation to the world. Called to be a saint. Called to go to an eternal reward with Him. Even though you are insufficient, imperfect, and a sinner. Those things aren’t enough to stop our God. You are not an imposter and neither am I. God help us believe!