Thriving...in Spite of It

...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