imposter HEIR
Imposter HEIR
When I was a PhD student preparing to write my dissertation, I came across an article detailing a phenomenon known as “Imposter Syndrome”. I remember having vaguely heard the term mentioned during an academic lecture series that focused on the experiences of women who were faculty and staff at higher education institutions. As I continued to read the article, I remember my eyes widening at the realization that the authors found the language to describe what I knew so many people, including myself, have experienced. According to the American Psychological Association's website, Imposter Syndrome often occurs in high achievers who find difficulty in “internalizing and accepting their success”. These individuals “often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than to ability, and fear that others will eventually unmask them as a fraud”. I would also like to further add that the presence of Imposter Syndrome can also inhibit the execution of tasks, ideas, goals, etc. (read procrastination), due to the fear of fraudulency. In the years that have passed since reading that article, much more research has been done on the effects of Imposter Syndrome on the human psyche, including how it manifests in academic, professional and interpersonal spaces. As a licensed clinician experienced in serving adolescents and adults, I have personally counseled numerous clients who have struggled with Imposter Syndrome, and can certainly empathize with them due to my own personal experiences as a Black Woman and a scholar.
I remember that during a period of time in particular, about 60% of my clients at the time were specifically verbalizing Imposter Syndrome as the reason for seeking therapy. As I processed this, I found myself both taken aback and concerned by the prevalence of this issue. I began to ponder on the numerous times in my life where I too wrestled with feelings of not measuring up, even though I was externally producing and could be defined by others as successful. As I entertained my thoughts, God spoke to me as clear as day, and said “You are not an imposter, you are an Heir”. Selah. As you can imagine, that hit me like a ton of bricks. I am currently getting goosebumps as I recall this moment. For me, there is nothing more valuable than hearing the voice of God (even when my posture does not always align with this truth smh), and I knew I needed to quickly record what I had heard. My mind immediately went to Romans 8:17, where Paul reminds us that “since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering”. Heirship is serious business and its significance crosses time periods, color lines and socioeconomic statuses. If an individual is designated as an heir, they are legally entitled to property, wealth, rank, etc. upon the death of their predecessor. Over 2,022 years ago our Elder Brother and Beloved Savior, Jesus, came to earth to serve as our predecessor and the “firstborn of creation” (Col 1:15). When he made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his precious life for us, his death literally tore the veil between us and God, and his resurrection positioned us for unfathomable glory. When we accept Jesus’s Lordship, we simultaneously accept heirship, and thus accept our seat in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Thus, the presence of Imposter Syndrome indicates that we have forfeited our VIP seating and forgotten our inheritance.
So now that we know what Imposter Syndrome is, and how it impacts us, how do we combat its effects? I’m glad you asked. Imposter Syndrome at its very core is cunningly deceptive because it prompts us to discount and devalue the very gifts God equipped us with. And fear is the vehicle by which this occurs. To fight fear, we must speak truth to it, and specifically the truth of the Word. In addition to Romans 8:17, the Bible is full of scriptures that remind us of our true identity in Christ, and can be used to replace those thoughts that suggest otherwise. Below are 7 Scriptures I personally meditate on when I am struggling with Imposter Syndrome. In addition to these, God’s Words to me, and through me to you, certainly ring true and serve as a powerful mantra: You are not an Imposter, You are an HEIR!
7 Scriptures to Combat Imposter Syndrome
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8: 15-17 NIV
The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. - Deuteronomy 28:13 NIV
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession. - Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. - Isaiah 43:1-4 MSG
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Luke 12:6-7 NIV
Prayer: Dear God, when I am feeling undeserving or questioning my value, please remind me that you paid a high price for me. Grant me the strength to replace lies about my identity with the truth of your Word. Let me remember that you love me with an everlasting love, and that I belong everywhere my feet tread because I belong to You. Please empower me to take my rightful place as Your child and Your Heir.
In Jesus’s Wonderful Name,
Amen
