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Mirror, Mirror...

...Who is the fairest of them all? Admit it: when you looked in the mirror this morning, your first observation was critical. Psychologists tell us, as women, our strongest basic need is affirmation. We know, ourselves, our greatest battle has everything to do with our need to belong -- to feel worthy. In all of this, we see that our worst enemy is right there--in the mirror. The truth is, you have an intrinsic value that cannot be diminished. A young lady I knew and loved like a daughter (she went to be with the Lord unexpectedly at the age of 18) struggled with her self-worth for years. Abandoned by her father, then later abused, Rachel felt worthless, until she found her identity in Christ. His love healed the years of hurt and self-loathing. She thrived and grew into a tremendous young leader in the @LadiesofHonor, and one of her favorite lessons to the younger girls involved a brilliant illustration. She would take a $20 bill, and ask the class, "What is this? How much is it worth?" The answer was, of course $20. Next, she crumpled it up, and holding it up again, asked, "Now, how much is it worth?." The answer, again, was $20. Then, she would throw it on the ground and violently stomp it until it was crumpled, flattened, and a little torn and ragged. She picked it up, "NOW, how much is it worth?" Still $20!. The message was this: It doesn't matter what's been done to you, or how badly you're damaged - you are still worth just as much as if you were brand new, pristine, clean, and untouched by anything.  2 Corinthians 12:9 -- His grace is sufficient. Stop beating yourself up over every shortcoming and every mistake.  Colossians 2:10 -- You are complete in Him. Your value is not dependent on what others think of you, or even what you think of yourself.   Philippians 1:6 -- God, who began the good work in you, will continue his work until it is finally finished. God's not done with you yet--so there's no way he's going to give up on you. A few years ago, Dove launched a campaign on "Real Beauty." When you have some quiet time, google and watch the video called "Sketches." Then reflect, ruminate, realize the truth that lies deeper than just what YOU see. Mirror, mirror, I am not inferior, in any way. I am complete. I am priceless. I have a purpose, I am resolved, right now, to find and fulfill it. 
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