ok...so this blog has been percolating for a week in my brain. Honestly, I didn't want to share. Because I know it may make some angry, or hurt. But if it helps some...then I will be glad God laid it on my heart.
Recently I have been doing the "Princess Unaware" devotional book. Although it is rare I finish a week of study in an actual week :) the process has been beautiful and fulfilling. I am sad to say that it took me this long to embrace the work of art God created in me. I had a recent event in which I started to get upset and thinking how I am weird and no wonder no one can stand me, etc etc. Then BOOM! It hit me...hey- this is totally an old pattern from the devil. And like putting "old wine into new wineskins" it is not gonna work anymore. I know who I am. I am a daughter of the King, brought near to Him through the blood of Christ. I realized that I have the power to wield the sword (the Bible, God's word). You see, Satan/demons know I don't doubt Christ's identity. However, I have, for whatever reason, consistently and predictably doubted my own. So let me share what His Spirit poured through me into my journal this morning.
I will not be defined by what the world sees as successful/beautiful. I will not be defined by what my relatives or friends see in me. I will not be defined by my grades, or how accepted/good my kids turn out. I AM defined by this: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." God doesn't make mistakes. Ever. "He works all things to the good of those who love him." So even if life choices/environment produced what I see as tainted or tattered, I still haven't strayed from what He intended me to be.
Moreover, striving for the approval of the world is ridiculous. It will get me nowhere. People don't always "get" me. I am easily moved by Christ: his love, tenderness, mercy and thoughtfulness.
I am excited by Christ: His return, plans, creation (flowers!), and His possibilities for me. I am passionate. I am energetic. I feel. I imagine. I am like a child. He MADE me. He LOVES me. He 'GETS' me. May he change what He desires to within me, but may I never attempt to diminish or extinguish what He has created within me!!!
It was a great time of reflection.
The message I felt God laying on my heart was regarding the "touch ups" we give ourselves. Cosmetic surgery, botox, make up, etc. How much money are we spending each year on these things? And for why? In what other ways could those dollars be spent to serve others? I am not trying to condemn, and certainly am promoting good hygiene :), just search yourself.
Imagine God thinking you up, putting you together, slowly, piece by piece in your mother's womb. Smiling as he put the last strand of hair in place, caressed your cheek. You are so incredibly dear to Him. Cherished. Chosen. There is NOTHING about your stature, structure or appearance He would "redo." Look at creation, see the beauty there. And yet, when Christ lives inside you and you accept your role as His princess, his radiance pours out, and nothing is as beautiful. I know it's tough to accept...the opportunities for self-dislike come at us from all sides. Know that I've struggled, and still struggle with you. But the great thing about Jesus is that the more you focus on Him, and what He thinks, you TRULY begin to take less account of what others see. It's yours to claim, sisters. If you have answered the call of Christ and believed in Him, you are a member of His household. Bought at high stakes. You are set apart. You will never fit in this world.
Let's live like the princesses we truly are.
