The Underdog’s Three Dispositions

At times I’m invited to do a blog tour with other faith-based bloggers, but I’m always careful about who I say yes to. There’s no hiding the fact that my views, while not unusual, might not jive with a lot of other faith-based writers, and it’s important to me that I don’t inadvertently support views I don’t believe in. Every once in a while, however, another blogger reaches out who gels very well with the Jerseygirl ethos. Though different in many ways — voice, background, profession, etc. — we share two important things: a love for Jesus and a passion for elevating and empowering women. Those blog tour invites are the ones I’ll say yes to.

So, please enjoy this post from my new friend Lenita at Purpose House. You’ll be able to find the first few paragraphs of it on her site, too, and I’ve written a piece called Priestcraft & Miss New Jersey, which you’ll be able to start here and finish over there. For now, find out how underdogs can develop their divine purpose 🙂

3 Dispositions Necessary for Underdogs to Overachieve and Fulfill Divine Purpose

by LeNita Reeve

Life can make you feel like an underdog as if you’re expected to lose. It can seem as if everyone else has an upper hand while you struggle on an uphill walk against strong winds.

But that feeling rarely comes to those who have nothing to offer. As a former teen mom and rape survivor, I identify with the underdog feeling. After revealing my pregnancy to a loved one, she declared, “You’ve messed up your life forever.” If that’s not enough to make you feel like an underdog, I don’t know what is.

The surprising aspect is that I found advantages to living like an underdog. When you fight like an underdog, you develop dispositions that others don’t have.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I started embracing some of these dispositions as a teen mom. They helped me finish a term paper during labor and become senior class president. While there are several, here are three important ones.

1) Rejection is your issue, not mine.

No one likes rejection but everyone has to deal with it at some point or another. Underdogs destined to overachieve don’t get offended by rejection. They understand that it isn’t a reflection of who they are. Rather, it is a sign that the rejecter doesn’t have the capacity for them and their unique potential. The Pharisees rejected Jesus and he was God in the flesh, blameless and without sin. The issue wasn’t Jesus. It was his rejecters. So the next time someone rejects you keep it movin’. Know it’s not your issue. It’s theirs.

2) You don’t owe me anything. So I’m fighting for everything.

Underdogs aren’t born with silver spoons in their mouths. They don’t have a sense of entitlement. They are not resting on their laurels thinking that the world will come to their doorstep.

They are scrappy. They fight when it matters. They make it work even if no one believes in them. If one door closes, they push another one open.

Underdogs get in the game and fight to the finish. They leave all their effort on the field. Are you giving your all in the game of life? Are you fighting like a scrappy underdog? When life is filled with challenge after challenge, it’s easy to disconnect and give up. But if you’re an underdog you don’t have an alternative. There’s no rich uncle or Plan B. You have to fight to the finish.

3) I have potential. I’m destined for something better.

Underdogs understand that they are in a process. They are becoming who God has called them to be. Moreover, they understand that who God has called them to be is better than who they are today. They carry an inner belief that there’s something better ahead. They know destiny has something bigger and better ahead and the press into getting there.

Jesus exemplified this disposition when he declared, “I Am.” The Pharisees thought it blasphemy but still he declared, “I Am.” He knew where he came from and he knew he was going back to the Father. His temporary setback on earth didn’t sway his self-concept. He continued to believe and stayed true to his journey.

I believe these dispositions can help you do the same. You might be an underdog but you’re in good company.

Lenita Reeves is the Founder of PurposeHouse Publishing (publishing.purposehouse.net) and Executive Director of Prayer Summit International. She serves as the pastor responsible for motivating intercession at Action Chapel Baltimore. She has authored three books including Fervent Fire: Understanding the Pattern of the Priesthood for Prevailing Intercessory Prayer (http://www.amazon.com/author/lenitareeves). Lenita is a wife, mother, and speaker who is hooked on all things purpose. For more information about Lenita and her latest project, I AM: A Purpose Manifesto for Underdogs Destined to Overachieve, subscribe for updates at http://www.purposehouse.net.

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