I was never anything remarkable.
I was more the stay-in-the-shadows type. I had a shining moment or two in life, but honestly they were really pretty rare. I was OK with that, I didn’t feel a need to be in the spotlight. I was OK with hiding.
I always wanted to be a homemaker with a beautiful home to take care of. From the days of my cardboard Barbie houses until now, my home has symbolized a place of safety and beautiful refuge from the world. I could do my thing and I didn’t really have to impact anyone outside of my family or guests. I liked life that way. Cozy, comfortable. Safe.
As the years went by, I learned many lessons through homemaking. Not just the expected lessons like “how to decorate” or “how to refinish a table” or “how to organize my house.” I came face to face with heart lessons learned at home. I wrestled with my own desire for perfection and striving for a perfect life beyond my means. I learned lessons in contentment and finding beauty right where I was. I learned that it was OK to be me. Unremarkable me.
About six years ago, though, I began feeling a little lost. My youngest child started all day kindergarten and there were no more children at home during the day. I had a home I loved and a family that still needed me, but I felt like my life had been pretty much wrapped around that. My home. My family. I felt I needed to reach out more beyond those walls and make a difference. But I wasn’t sure how.
I didn’t really feel I had anything to offer.
I didn’t have any particular talent or skill or gift to share with the world.
It wasn’t until I started praying for a way to serve God OUTSIDE of my home that He opened my eyes to see that the same passions I had IN my home were the ones He wanted to use. So I offered those passions and dreams all back to Him.
And He found remarkable, unusual ways to use my less-than-exceptional talents.
God is good like that. He had already given me what I needed. He was just waiting for me to be willing to let go and get out there and serve with what He had already blessed me with.
I didn’t have to be something amazing in my own eyes or even the eyes of the world.
It was OK to be me. Imperfect, unique, flawed and unremarkable me.
I dug my heels in resistance at this thought, but four years ago, I started a blog.
I wasn’t really sure why I needed one or even what a blog was, really. I thought of many reasons I should not start a blog. He reassured me I should trust Him on this one.
My philosophy often seemed contrary to the world’s idea of a beautiful home. How could that succeed? He reassured me His messages were often contrary to the world’s ideas too.
I was not a writer, but He assured me it wasn’t about my perfect grammar or my {not} poetic way with words.
I didn’t have any connections or claims to fame, but He reminded me He had all the connections I might need.
I was a Christian starting a non-Jesus blog. That can’t be good.
But I was right where He wanted me.
I prayed He would allow me to impact a few. He opened the doors to reach many.
Eventually we were asked to start a church. From scratch. By ourselves. All the lessons I learned in blog building came in handy. He knew the skills I was going to need for church planting and connecting, so he gave me a blog long before He had us plant a church.
Then we needed an income to survive in church planting. Again, He knew how to provide what we needed before we knew we needed it. He in his great mercy and foresight, allowed my blog to become my business and expand in ways I never dreamed possible. The same blog I didn’t want to start because I didn’t have a gift to share with the world!
My blog wasn’t about me and my big passion for decorating.
It wasn’t about me shining my great light in the vast internet world. I could feel small and insignificant and unremarkable and God could still use me and make my life a little more remarkable. Because it was about Him. His greatness. His light. His purposes. And it was about how he saw me, His daughter. I was not unremarkable to Him.
He is what makes our unremarkable story so very remarkable.
What is your story?
I bet He has a remarkable use for it.
Shirley says
Oh Melissa, I am so blessed to have “discovered” you here, and on your blog! I love decorating and making-pretty at home. When I first discovered your blog it was like, “wow Lord, YOU have definitely sent me here!” And you continue to speak to my heart. Thank you for all you do, and share, and teach.
I too feel so “unremarkable”. However, I have this fire in my belly which won’t die and so I continue to pray and trust that our Lord will use “me- with- nothing- spectacular- to- offer” to touch peoples’ lives.
Again, thank you! With lots of love and deepest appreciation. Blessings, from Australia – Shirley xxxx
melissa @ the inspired room says
Hi Shirley, all the way over in Australia, what a sweet lady you are. Thank you for your comment. God is going to use you in big ways, I know it!! xoxo
Amy Hunt says
It’s always so amazing how He answers our heart cry, and how first He shifts our perspective to desiring living a life of worship. You honor Him every day in your worship, Melissa!
Rich blessings as He continues to lead you to More!
melissa @ the inspired room says
Thank you Amy! xo & blessings
r.e. says
Oh…how I relate to how you started blogging…I am right there now…every other day…I ask the Lord…can I stop now…I know He has lead me to do this thing…but this is way…way out of my comfort zone… being non-writer in such prolific space is daunting at times…but like you…I come back to it’s not about me…just walking with him…
your blog is great…
Blessings~
melissa @ the inspired room says
Thank you 🙂 That is exactly how it is, when God leads you just keep walking that way… even when it is way out of your comfort zone!
Rebecca says
This is a wonderful message. It reminds me to shift my focus. To stop looking at what I think I should be doing, and focus on what God has planned for me.
Katie @ Imperfect People says
Well this is a remarkable post! You are an Imperfect Person in love with a perfect God!!
Alysa says
I love this post, the message is exactly what I have been dealing with as of late. Thank you for sharing!
Kristen Strong says
Melissa, I’ve always loved you, but this post makes me love you all the more. Such comfort and wisdom you share!
Looking for those heart lessons in my own ‘unremarkable’ life…thank you beautiful!
melissa @ the inspired room says
Thanks sweet girl!
Christin says
Thank you Melissa, I needed this because I am totally at that place right now…what is so great that God wants to use unremarkable me and my little blog? But He does and He keeps whispering to write and keep writing…
melissa @ the inspired room says
Yes, keep writing Christin! I agree with God 🙂
Kristin K says
Thank you. Plain and simple!
Momsquire says
Thank you for your story of hope and purpose while just being you. I love this and long for the simpleness – need to work toward that in 2012 simplifying my life. Thank you for the inspiration!
Christine says
I love your website!!! I like crafts and decorating so your site is a real inspiration for those of us who are also gifted to use the gifts even more.
I love the “breakfast nook” with the inset for books. Sigh…I hope one day I can be blessed with a little cottage of my own and have things like that to work with.
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Thank you Christine!
Holley Gerth says
Melissa, this post just makes me want to hug you, you sweet thing. Thank you for sharing your story and heart and reminding us all that ordinary is extraordinary in God’s hands. XO
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Thank you Holley. You always know just how to encourage!
Tanya@ The Inspired Budget says
Melissa, I enjoy your blog so much and really like this opportunity to learn more about you. Your story is inspiring. Thanks for reminding us all that we are not unremarkable to Him!
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Thank you Tanya!
Diane Yuhas says
I’ve been pondering these same thoughts lately for a blog post of my own. I think God calls most of us to live ordinary lives through which He creates something “remarkable”.
Brenda says
So many of your words could have been penned by me. I am a behind the scenes kind of woman, I’ve been content to serve the Lord in quiet unassuming ways. I am going through that what do I do now phase…mine was delayed more so than yours because we chose to homeschool, so as my youngest is looking at colleges; I am looking at my life going…hmmm…now what? God is answering though! I started my own blog as one of God’s answers and He is slowly sending me women to minister to, something I now have time for. Life is certainly filled with seasons and its exciting to know God has a purpose for us in everyone of them. Planting a church…wow…that is something I can’t imagine. Glad you were obedient and did as God wanted!
melissa @ the inspired room says
I know the feeling, I should have mentioned that I was 40 when I started my blog 🙂
Angela De Souza says
I totally agree! I was nothing remarkable at all, in fact I was just a messy prodigal actually. He took my life of filth and turned it into a story that allows me to reach out to so many women. It’s incredible what God can do through one messed up women! xxx
Angela De Souza says
Actually, if you are interested to read my story I have written several books on what God has done in my life here kingsdaughters21.blogspot.com/p/books.html
x
Angela De Souza says
Sorry the previous link was not clickable – here is a clickable one 🙂
http://kingsdaughters21.blogspot.com/p/books.html
Beth says
I love love love this!
I am doing a workshop at our church next weekend about finding your passion, following your dream, and am printing this out to share with the women. I kept your name and blog address on the bottom! It’s perfect.
Thanks for sharing. Don’t you just love how God brings TO us what He wants FROM us?
melissa @ the inspired room says
I’m thrilled you can use my humble self as an illustration 🙂 Yes, He is AMAZING like that, giving us just what we need to be effective for Him!
Pam says
He wants to use our passions just maybe in a different way than we had imagined. I love this thought : ) Love, love, love this post. Thanks for sharing your heart!
Sweet Blessings,
Pam
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Yes it is amazing how creative He is when it comes to how He can use us!!! xo & blessings
Lynn Bass says
Melissa,
I do love that you shared this message today and I enjoy your website. I still have those feelings at 47 (almost 48) and would love to start a blog but for the life of me could not imagine what I could write that anyone would want to read. It may not be His plan for me so I will wait with my unremarkable self to see what His plan for me could be. Thank you for your message. I pray you will continue to be blessed!
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
He will reveal it to you all in good time….that is the exciting part , the unfolding of the plans!!
Katie at Wildwood Creek says
Love this post! Thanks for encouraging me today.
LolaGirl says
Love this. Always fighting the sense of lack…as in I don’t have enough to be important enough to be successful enough to make a mark. Lots of conversations lately have kept using the word light to me…shining a light..even my last DaySpring review! Since I’ve felt more like a photographer than anything else in my life, perhaps God is up to something with all these light reference… 😉
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
I think we can leave a mark on people without the importance of “success”… I htink God’s successes come in different ways….
LOVD says
Oh, this is so well said and relate-able. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I am learning to trust God more and more on my own journey. You can read about my path here.
http://feellovdeveryday.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-am-lovd.html
and
http://feellovdeveryday.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-is-lovd.html
Paula says
I’m so behind-the-scenes I don’t even like to comment, but wanted to thank you for your article today – it really spoke to me.
Paula
Melissa Michaels says
I’m glad you delurked today 🙂
Ellen Humphries says
I love your blog! Thank you for sharing this. I’ve found myself in a similar place with kids off at school… I felt the Lord say, “Just write about what you’re good at…what you enjoy…” I’m simply walking in that praying He uses my simple me, my simple blog to bless others.
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
I’m sure He will!! Just pour your heart out and I know people will be blessed!!
jennybc says
I always say when things keep coming up in all different places that maybe, just maybe God is speaking to you. I believe He is in this instance. I have two children in college and our late one in 1st grade. I struggle mightily with knowing my purpose beyond mothering. This was a good word today, Melissa. (Well, especially good!) Thanks for encouraging my heart.
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
I had a late one too and after mothering so long you do start to sense God’s stirring that you are not done yet!! Always a mom but so capable of impacting others too!!
Darla says
Ya know, this is fascinating having known of you/your blog now for almost 4 years. To think that you feel/felt unremarkable is remarkable to me. And I love that Jesus used that beginning as a way to ultimately serve Him in unconventional and conventional ways.
Starting a church is not easy. We are part of a church that is just at the 1 year age and wow is it a lot of work (rewarding!) between forming committees, council, hiring a interim pastor, then eventually a full-time pastor not to mention buying a building and getting it up to code JUST to hold a church service. The building was finally up to code six mos after inception (prior to that we met above a bowling alley – I’ll let you think on that) where on the very first service housed 250 people.
And right now at this moment, I feel pretty remarkable that I know of you at all.
emily says
Well this sure hit the spot. I really don’t feel like I have any specific gifts or talents that stick out and wonder what I’ll do a my daughter gets older and I’m not spending nearly every minute of every day with her.
I guess that’s why I started blogging. I’d heard of it. I read some. I love to write and to read the stories of others. And it’s been a way to voice my journey and the things God is teaching me in it. Thanks for sharing your story and the hope of something new down the road that might stem from this time of peaceful wondering in my life!
Melissa Michaels says
You might be amazed what God will do as you spend time in peaceful wondering!
Rachel says
I can definitely relate to your story! I’m soon going to start teaching again and I’m scared, naturally, but everyday I am reminding myself that God has plans for me, that I am where I am supposed to be, despite the circles I walked to get here, and that by being myself and sharing my thoughts I will make a difference. I wonder where the rest of this journey will lead. Congrats to you for your achievements!
Unremarkable. says
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Jamie says
Love this post! It is amazing how God orders our steps and provides even before the need is felt. My husband and I are youth pastors and I started writing primarily to cut down on the amount of counseling meetings I had. If I wrote out what I would have said in person then I could meet with lots of people at the same time. Of course, I still meet with people one on one too. But it is amazing how I discovered a love for writing because of that and how it is becoming a major passion for me. Anyways, it was so great to hear your story of how God made a way for you and your husbands church through your blog. It encouraged me in my own pursuit of all that He has called me to be.
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
It is exciting how things unfold as you step forward in obedience!!!
Judy says
I turned 40 this year, my youngest started first grade so all 3 kiddos are now in school all day, and I am asking what now? I don’t feel a passion to start my own blog, there are so many lovely ones like yours that make me happy. So I am waiting to hear a message….what to do next? Back to work full-time, move somewhere new and set up a home again, or what to do to earn some money and engage my mind. Trying to have patience until my next step is revealed…but it certainly is hard waiting.
Melissa Michaels says
I waited for a good year before I know what God was calling me to do as my “first step”…actually, the first step was just waiting, praying and listening. You are in the waiting phase! Hang on!
Melissa Michaels says
*knew
teresa says
Wonderful thoughts-
I think I’ve followed your blog since the beginning…loved it from day one. … I could relate to you. You are a kind humble person and that shine through.
and about being “Unremarkable” I think not….. Isn’t it funny how we all feel that way…but in others eyes you are……
Really- Remarkable. =)
Melissa Michaels says
Aw, thank you Teresa. I’m so glad to have you as a loyal friend in blogland!! xo You inspire me!
Mindy says
Wow. That’s it. Just wow. I’m so glad I came over to read this.
Caryn says
Yes! wonderful post. nearly 2 years ago God lead me to start writing my blog. it took me several months to finally start. Sharing my story, could not even imagine why anyone would want to read it. But, finally I did, and some read and I have been so amazingly blessed. You are very remarkable, we all are. He makes us that way.
Thank you so much for sharing today.
Caryn
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Being faithful to share our stories. That is IT.
Mrs. Mary Joy Pershing @Learning to Live a Surrendered Life says
Oh Melissa. I really relate to your story. I have asked God and my husband so many times…why am I writing on our website? So many people know so much more about things than I do. I am just learning…but God keeps telling me to share my journey. It feels weird some days…I’m not an expert at homemaking…I am learning to do it to honor Him in all the things that are hard for me to do…I am not an expert at parenting…I make so many mistakes and am always learning something new from other friends…I am not an expert at marriage…I am in my second marriage (to an amazing man who is SO patient with my journey of learning). I am almost 44 years old and learning to be a stay at home wife and homeschooling for the first time. But God still tells me that He wants me to write and share my learning…my mistakes…my joys…what I am learning. And I am still trying to understand the why? lol But in the mean time…I am learning to enjoy the process.
Over the last two years, Melissa. You have inspired me so much. You have helped me to have the courage to step out of my comfort zone and stop worrying about not being an expert and just be myself. You have been such an encouragement and I LOVE your blog and your story! God is doing a great thing through you. I am SO blessed to have met you. You have such a gift for bringing your faith and the importance of creating home to life. Thank you for being you. YOU are special. You bring a perspective that only you could…and it inspires us all.
Blessings!
Mrs Mary Joy Pershing
Melissa Michaels says
Thank you Mary Joy, you are so sweet and encouraging. That is just it, we all bring our own perspective and that is exactly what God asks of us. Faithfulness with THAT. You are dear, thank you for your comment and encouragement.
Jessica@nucheysmommy says
Hi Melissa! I didn’t even know about this other site you are a part of! What a great post. I just started my blog a couple months ago and funny you say about your child going to kindergarten. My son will go to kindergarten next year & I wonder what it will be like….it’s kind of a scary thought. I gave up my career 5 years ago and it’s causing me a little anxiety about what will I do with me! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Michaels says
Ha, that is exactly how I felt, I was wondering what in the WORLD I was going to do!! Thank goodness I have something now to keep me out of trouble 🙂
Amy says
I can so relate to this. Sometimes I wonder what I’m doing out there blogging but I just pray that God will use my voice and that maybe if I’m very fortunate, what I write will speak to someone out there.
Melissa Michaels says
I am sure of it! 🙂
Maryann says
I just love everything about you Melissa! You express yourself in such a beautiful way…don’t ever stop! <3
Melissa Michaels says
Oh, you are so sweet!! THANK YOU for your encouragement. xo
Sunny says
I am amazed at what you just said. I just went through that same thing. Not knowing what I was supposed to do now that kids are almost all in school. Do I go back to school, stay at home? I just kept praying and praying, and I got an answer to blog. I keep telling my husband that I don’t understand why, but I know that this is what I am absolutely supposed to be doing right now. It is hard for someone not used to putting themselves out there. I feel awkward putting myself out there, knowing that no one is really paying attention anyway. But if this is what He wants I will do it and trust in Him! You are such and encouragement to me, Thank You!
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
That is exactly how I felt. Certain. Full of doubt about my “talent” or whatever but fully confident of what God was calling me to do! Just keep on trusting!
Julie Sunne says
You have expressed exactly how I feel, Melissa! What do I, Mrs. Unremarkable, have to share that anyone else would be interested in or that would be helpful. But God knows best; so as you did, I humbly, obediently, and fearfully follow His call on my life. Thanks for the encouragement. The enemy is working hard to get me to doubt.
Anonymous says
Wow! I am just sitting here in awe! I just began my blog a few weeks ago and I really started to give me an outlet since becoming a stay at home, homeschooling mom. I was just sharing with my husband tonight about the idea of God having me start this blog in order to make money while HE has my husband attend seminary school to fulfill bigger plans for our family in order to glorify Him more! I know I have many things to pray about and I don’t think I came across this blog today “just because” Thanks for sharing!
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
I’m glad you came by today too….blessings to you and your new blog!
Barbie says
Love your post! I’ve always wanted to minister to women, but didn’t quite know how that would play out. I felt like the Lord was calling me for years to a ministry to women. I began blogging two years ago and although my blog is not large, I am building relationships in this beautiful community of woman. My voice is being heard as encouragement and hope to so many. My little, unremarkable, insignificant voice! I love how God takes us and molds us and shapes us to fulfill HIS purposes for us!
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Yes it doesn’t matter how large our audience is what matters is the faithfulness of our hearts…you have a purpose to minister to women and He is using you!! That is so exciting!
Favorite Phrase Friday {October 21, 2011} | The Ivey League says
[…] I didn’t have to be something amazing in my own eyes or even the eyes of the world. It was OK to be me. Imperfect, unique, flawed and unremarkable me. -by Melissa Michaels on (in)courage […]
Diane Bailey says
You have really blessed me with this post. Thank you.
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
I’m glad Diane, thanks for your comment 🙂
Danielle M. says
Melissa,
I enjoyed this post. I would have *never* guessed you were its author. In fact, when I got to the bottom and saw the reveal of who wrote it, I said “Really??” out loud.
I found your blog from Nester, whom I’m in blog-love with. I’m so thankful. I’ve been watching your 31-days posts and getting good ideas and have just plain enjoyed getting to know your blog and style. It is rather remarkable to me that you felt unremarkable. Such encouragement for all of us out here!
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Thank you, Danielle!
Cathy says
Hi Melissa!
I think I found you about 4 years ago or so…..coming through a season of moving, my husband losing his job, turning 50, 3 more of our 6 children getting married, four grandbabies arriving, last child off to work/college after 30+ years of home educating and all of it in the last couple of years, wondering what I should be doing now…… my answer from the Lord was “your husband still needs you” soooo, I’ve been helping him buid his new business, and we are rediscovering ourselves and having a great time! I love decorating and making home a haven, so I have really enjoyed reading your blog! I love the latest mason jar post, and we’ll being this as a craft on Thanksgiving afternoon with all my daughters and daughter-in-law 🙂
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Thanks Cathy! 🙂
StephanieB says
Melissa, I didn’t get to read this yesterday but felt like I should save it. I am glad I did because it was really encouraging to read your story. It is helpful to be reminded that I have gifts to share too! Thanks
melissa @ theinspiredroom says
Yes it is encouraging to know WE ALL have gifts to share!!
Maxine says
I am with StephanieB I feel like it would be nice to revisit with this post every now and then. It’s so comfy – a whisper of encouragement , a nudge to go on. As long as God is with you, there’s no way you can possibly be unremarkable. You never know the surprises God has in store.
Thank You!
Linda says
Thank you. Your post made me think – and smile – and wonder what “unremarkable” thing about myself God is wanting to use.
Again, thank you.
Janet says
Wow. That is great!
I am not really sure how I stumbled upon your blog but I have been following it here and there for quite a while. I did not know this about you. I am sure if I had read your “about me” I probably would have figured it out. lol
This post has been so encouraging.
I too am a Christian and a Stay-at-Home Mom and a Wife, and I feel “unremarkable” and without purpose. I know this sounds a little weird because clearly my purpose is Wife and Mother right now. But, you probably know what I mean. I have no idea what God wants of me or what I should be doing, or how I could be using my gifts to serve others outside of my home. I know He has me in this season for a reason and I will just have to continue to wait on Him. =0P
Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way. You have served so many! And, thanks for all of the great decorating tips.
Melissa says
Thank you. Your post made me think – and smile – and wonder what “unremarkable” thing about myself God is wanting to use.
Again, thank you.
Debbie says
Oh Melissa you really ARE REMARKABLE! You may not feel it but you touch my heart. I was so glad to find you several years ago on your blog. Even though it wasn’t a Jesus blog, you couldn’t help but shine His light. I got it and was blessed. Isn’t it wonderful how God gifts us to do what He has called us to do? We just need to be obedient.
I am so excited about your ‘news’ and will be placing an order. I am happy to help in any way. Heart Choices is a vehicle to get the word out so know that I am here.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Randi says
Wow! You really struck a chord with a lot of us. I just wanted to chime in and also thank you for writing this. I too am finding that perhaps God wants me to use other means to provide income but I feel inept and overwhelmed. But mostly I resonate with the prompting God gave you to write about His beautiful creativity in how we make up our physical home without specifically talking about Jesus per se. Pointing out His creativity and color is just as powerful!
Ginger says
Oh to find what He wants us to do, that’s the key, hearing and following His voice. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It’s nice to see victory in action.
Lisa says
I’ve learned, by God’s grace, that being remarkable is indeed about being His and glorifying Him in the tasks and relationships right before you. For me, being remarkable is that God counts me valuable and worthy to share my life, and especially experiences, with others — my husband and children, along with the teens and women I have the opportunity to mentor and coach. It is one life at a time that counts for Christ. God’s economy is upside down!
Brittany Andrus says
Hi Melissa –
I am sorry to post this here but I can’t find an email for you. I’m one of 2 partners in a new business called Velvet Pepper. We do vintage, velvet handbags and diaper bags. You can view our website at http://www.velvetpepper.com to see our current inventory. My question for you is, do you ever do product reviews? We’d like to send you the bag of your choice, have you review it, (keep it of course) and then offer a giveaway for your readers. Does that interest you at all and do you think your readers would like it? We really feel like we have something that is amazing but of course, we are biased! 🙂
Thank you for your consideration,
Brittany Andrus
Inspired Holidays {Day 23}:: pssst....I wrote an ebook. - The Inspired Room says
[…] writing on this blog feels somewhat safe and familiar. You guys get me. You know I don’t feel remarkable. But sending my message out beyond this blog, well, that is a little like those nightmares of […]
Another Round of Incourage Stumbles says
[…] of The Inspired Room told her story entitled Unremarkable Me. I love her comment that, “It was OK to be me. Imperfect, unique, flawed and unremarkable […]