I couldn't have been more than 3 or 4 years old when I first watched Wonder Woman on TV, but I remember specifically thinking,

She is awesome.

I want to be her.

She's so strong.

She's so pretty.

She quickly became my super hero. I even sported Wonder Woman Underoos until I could no longer fit in them. (Don't judge; I know you had your favorite super-hero Underoos too!) Known for her super human strength, speed, reflexes, stamina and durability, Wonder Woman became an icon in my fragile little 3-year-old psyche. Little did I realize how much that subtle influence would frame the expectations I've put on myself now as an adult.

I can't really blame Wonder Woman entirely. I've spent most of my life admiring strong, confident, accomplished woman and somewhere in all of that I've created a mountain of expectations for myself that I doubt even a super hero could tackle.

As a leader I'm learning that I cannot be Wonder Woman.

I cannot be strong enough, smart enough, tough enough, gentle enough, kind enough, eloquent enough, educated enough, patient enough, or fill-in-the-blank enough.

But too many times I've pridefully tried to be all of those things, leaning into my own strength, and attempting to do the impossible just to prove that I'm that good.

Ouch, what a dangerous place.

So, I'm attempting to put my cape down, to find confidence in the gifts, talents, strengths and limitations that make me who God made me, to rest in His strength, speed and stamina, and to turn my super-hero worship toward a great Wonder(ful) God!

How about you? Do you have any "capes" to put down?