What does it mean to take up space? Do you have a fear of taking up space? Do you want to be seen as low maintenance? Listen in. 

Taking up space means to be more than furniture; to be human. In the words of Pinocchio to be “a real boy.” It means to kindly and directly – without apology or embarrassment – share needs, wants, preferences, and dreams.

Friends, God created you to take up space. 

We are allowed to take up space. To be human means that our physical body, emotions, thoughts, and spirit take up space.

It is impossible to be a human and not take up square footage. Taking up space is part of God’s design.

So when you fear taking up space, it means you fear sharing what troubles and worries rumble in your heart, or what gifts and work light you up.

Fearing taking up space might come out in phrases like, “Whatever is easiest for you” or “Oh, I don’t care” when you really do care. 

In terms of how we feel about taking up space, we fall into one of three buckets.

1. “It’s natural” bucket
2. “It’s uncomfortable” bucket
3. “It’s totally fine, but then when I do, I regret it” bucket

No matter what bucket you fall into, you may fear taking up space because:

• You’ve done it in the past; it didn’t go well, so you vowed never to do it again.
• Or you’ve misunderstood scripture about what it means to deny and die to self,
• Or you desperately do not want to be seen as selfish.

Our enemy has done a heck of a job convincing God’s girls that taking up space is a bad thing.

In today’s episode, you’ll receive practical strategies and anchoring truths for remembering grace overcomes fear and that you do not need to fear taking up space. You’ll learn:

• what it means to take up space,
• how you feel about taking up space,
• why you fear taking up space,
• and what God says.

Mentioned in the podcast

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• #135: When you worry you’re selfish
• #168: Grace is forgiving yourself and others with Jen Barnett
• #179: Grace Over Fear: When you feel embarrassed by your tears
• #180: Grace Over Fear: When you avoid the discomfort of grief with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
• #181: Grace Over Fear: When you fear being vulnerable with Jamie Ivey
• The Deepest Place by Dr. Curt Thompson

Resources that weren’t directly quoted but influenced this episode

• First Freedoms by Jen Barnett
• This Instagram post
• How we tragically misunderstand Jesus’ command to deny ourselves by Jill E. McCormick
• The high cost of being low maintenance by Jill E. McCormick

Here’s how to connect with Jill

• Website 
• GraceInRealLifePodcast.com 
• Instagram 
• Subscribe to Jill’s weekly “the good + the grace” email