If it seems like the people around you are taking big steps while all yours feel small and inconsequential, listen in. Because the allure of fame and the power of attention messes with us. It interferes with our ability to do the next right thing because maybe we’re waiting for the next big thing.
In today’s episode, I’ll share what a singer, a cyclist, and a make-believe boss have to teach us about faithfulness, fame, and the gift of obscurity.
Links + Resources From This Episode:
- American Idol Winner 2012
- Oprah Interviews Lance Armstrong Part 1
- Soul Keeping by John Ortberg
- Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman
- Parks and Recreation, Season 6 Episode 7 “Recall Vote” – the one where Ron’s in Bloosh
Carolyn says
September 19, 2017 at 10:12 PMWow, Emily, thank you! I’ve appreciated all of the episodes so far, but this one—well, as someone with a completed manuscript looking at the road ahead and wondering if I really want to go down it, knowing my soul (and body) can’t handle the hustle of speaking tours etc., but still feeling called to offer my words, you’ve given me reassurance that I’m not crazy to be concerned, alongside the reminder that I can make choices along the way that are in line with who I am and who God is without fear of missing out. Thank you! I’m so grateful for your example of continually choosing to be faithful to who you are and who God is and trusting Him with the outcome.
Maria Vastianou says
September 20, 2017 at 4:43 AMThank you, thank you, thank you, Emily for posting the transcripts too! I almost never take the time to listen to a podcast on the computer but I do take the time to read anything worth reading, and your words are DEFINATELY worth reading! Thank you!
Maria
Rebecca Graf says
September 22, 2017 at 11:29 AMHi Emily, I want to thank you for this podcast. I really appreciated the truth you spoke here in this podcast. I am just starting out as a blogger (faith) and I’ve wrestled with how do I stay true to my purpose and calling, without getting caught up on the measurement of “successes” that are around me. I found your words to be a breath of fresh air to my soul this morning. Thank you.
Nancy R says
September 22, 2017 at 12:17 PMHI Emily, Thank you for giving a transcript. I prefer reading to listening. I often don’t have time to either download the podcast or listen properly to a podcast. I really enjoyed this episode and copied some sentences to my encouragement document that I keep. So a transcript means I can do this.
My husband is in palliative care at home and this has re-inforced the simple life, although I sometimes forget the value of the simple life. Thank you for continually reminding me about this.
Frances says
September 22, 2017 at 7:14 PMAlways beautiful inspirational writing, for those of us on that train of thinking about and observing how do I compare my work and compete with and rely on approval from others. So your podcasts brings useful clear sensible reassuring advice for staying on that joyful path of freedom, following Jesus, finding our pace, relying on Him each day and laying down that heavy baggage. Thank you!
Julia Throm says
September 23, 2017 at 9:05 AMEven though my soul was not meant for fame neither was it meant for nit picky criticism. Its a hard struggle to find the balance in the middle.
Tessa says
September 30, 2017 at 3:22 AMI needed this. Thank you.
jill britz says
October 2, 2017 at 9:28 AMI listened to this with my husband at the kitchen table, 5 kids buzzing around, & we both felt settled & empowered after listening to your good word.
So grateful to reap the benefits of you. ⭐️
Vicki says
October 6, 2017 at 3:46 PMYour words ministered to me today. Thanks for the lifeline as I struggle to keep my head above water in the blogging ocean. I have felt for a long time about fame what you so eloquently shared in this podcast. The only one who can carry the weight of fame is God.
Blessings to you!
Lily Burickson says
October 8, 2017 at 7:51 PMI like that you are concerned about the little things, I try not to fall back on believing or having faith because of science (like oh I’m shy because I’m an introvert and don’t get fed from socializing.) That’s just me pls vomit narrative. Instead I like that you press in and refer to God about our situation. Me big breakthrough in life was when I realized I had be no ability too remember years 1-8 of my life, couldn’t hardly learn or grow and all I wanted from that time on was too do things with emotion ( which meant I wanted too do it not others) but it’s hard too hear that still small voice when you love others
Rachel McAlister says
November 17, 2017 at 1:30 AMYes! Thank you for your words of wisdom, Emily. They have really been like healing salve to my soul, as I purpose to slow down and pursue the next right thing, rather than the next big thing. This episode has so ministered to me / spoken to where I’m at, that I listened to it three times. I’m reflecting on your episode on my blog this week. Thank you!
Tammy Iroku says
November 20, 2017 at 8:39 AMThis episode was exactly what I needed to hear this morning and I’m so happy to have recently discovered your podcast. Thanks for doing what you do 🙂
Tracy Barton Niles says
December 23, 2017 at 5:23 AMThis was right on point for me this morning. I had sat down and attempted to listen to this podcast on two other occasions…it just did not work out. This morning, at 5am , in the solitude of my home, with snoring dogs. I finally heard what I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and beautiful words. Thank you for keeping it focused on Jesus. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Beth White says
January 9, 2018 at 2:37 PMThank you for your encouraging words! I always feel so encouraged after listening to your podcast. Your work is such a blessing.
Cherie says
February 20, 2018 at 3:08 AMOh this is beautiful. Starting to listen to your podcasts from the start while bottling tomatoes here in New Zealand, once the kids are tucked up in bed. I’ve stopped listening to anything too noisy lately because I’ve craved stillness and quiet. These episodes are just what I’ve needed. Thank you.
Chautona Havig says
April 12, 2019 at 2:21 AMI just read “The Baggage Handler” by David Rawlings, and that little allegory fit so well with many of the things you said on this episode. I think you’d enjoy it.