No matter how good I am at something, someone will think I’m the wrong kind of good at the wrong kind of thing.

I’m a homeschool mom, but am I the right TYPE? Other moms share perfect photos and “my kid reads ancient Greek at 9 years old”. We’ve never had a professional family photo, and my kids do not read Greek.

I’m a woman, but am I the right TYPE? Oh boy. I won’t even touch this one. Women, you know all the pain points here. 

I’m a Christian, but am I the right TYPE? Yikes. This one can cut SO deep. What if one group thinks I’m wrong, bad or dangerous for belonging to another? Even within our pretty homogenous denomination, disagreements feel like an existential threat! Do I still belong??

The pressure is EXHAUSTING. I mean it. I am literally tired right now having made the mistake of letting myself listen to that critical voice for the last couple days. If everyone constantly disparages and despises each other for being the wrong type, how can I know which type is the best? Which type is acceptable? Which type is God’s type?

The critical voice says I’m not good enough. I don’t like me; why would God? I’m stuck in the chaos in my brain!

Stuck. Do you feel it too, friend? 

As long as I keep demanding that the world answer my questions, I will be stuck in an echo chamber of doubt, anxiety and condemnation. 

But there is another voice. There are other words to listen to that can break up my swirling inner dialogue. 

Am I weak? Let me hear 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Paul says that he begged God to free him of some failure or suffering, but God said to him, ‘ “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’ (ESV)

Am I naive and unsophisticated? Let me hear Matthew 19:13-14

‘Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” ‘

Am I stuck in guilt and feel like I’ll never be good enough? Mark 2:15–17

And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.  And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (ESV)

So, are you Jesus’ type? 

Well, are you one of these: childish, ignorant, prideful, needy, suffering, curious, skeptical, earnest, trusting, untrusting, desperate, afraid, sinful? He specifically speaks with love and welcome about all these types and more! 

I’m not a spectacular sinner or a glowing saint. I’m a woman, living in the U.S. in 2026 with troubles and joys and lots of confusion. And Jesus wants to gather me up to himself and wipe away my tears. As though I was just the right type. Because I am. And so are you.