“you are beautiful,” is a repost from one of my 2017 blogs. It seems appropriate for now, and every day. I hope you find it encouraging.
Why do I have a moderately crooked sticker photo today? This sticker was in a rather unusual location. I was in an airport restroom when I looked up and saw “you are beautiful” in front of me.
I was tired from preparing to travel, getting to the airport and then going through security. My first reaction was “Really?” but fortunately that was quickly followed with a sense of the Creator saying “Yes, Really!” At that moment my heart melted a bit and I found myself thanking whoever stuck it there.
I know, however, most of us need to be reminded of these kinds of foundational truths. I know I do. Too often we tend to hang around in some version of the following lies that the enemy wants us to believe*:
-I am a mistake.
-I am a burden.
-I am stupid.
-I am worthless.
-I’m not allowed to make mistakes.
-I must be approved of by certain people to feel okay.
-I don’t have the right to experience joy and pleasure.
-I don’t have the right to assert myself and say what I think and feel.
-I don’t have a right to feel.
-I am valued based on my intelligence, wealth, and what I do, not for who I am. [emphasis mine]
The truth is, too many voices feed us the lies, drowning out the truth. That’s why time in the Word of God, and with followers of Jesus helps us learn the truth about ourselves*:
-I hold myself in high regard despite my imperfections and limits.
-I am worthy to assert my god-given power in the world.
-I’m entitled to exist.
-It is good that I exist.
-I have my own identity from God that is distinct and unique.
-I am worthy of being valued and paid attention to.
-I’m entitled to joy and pleasure.
-I am entitled to make mistakes and not be perfect.
We can add to both of these lists, but you have the idea. Be blessed with the truth that “you are beautiful.” Hold on to it, live into it.
On my way out I touched the sticker and prayed it will continue to bless people… I pray it touches you too.
*Both these lists come from Peter Scazzero’s, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, [pp.53, 54] As I serve others I regularly find these are true!
