You Are Beautiful

You Are Beautiful

 

I used to hate looking in the mirror...I always did my best to avoid eye contact with the person staring back at me. All I saw was a frizzy-haired, freckle-faced, broken girl who ruined my parents' lives. I punished myself everyday because I never felt I was good enough for anyone. I felt like I- someone who could cause so much hurt and confusion- didn't deserve to be treated with respect...didn't deserve to live. I absolutely despised myself

Do you, too, have memories of experiences that affect the way you see yourself today? You may be able to "understand" those experiences...to understand that your parents' criticisms didn't mean they don't love you...or that the bullies at school were acting out of their own insecurities...but unfortunately, this doesn't make the memories any less hurtful or their hold on your heart any less powerful.

Well, my friends, I have some bad news. Those feelings of utter worthlessness and inadequacy? Yeah, feelings like those will insinuate their way into nearly every area of your life- into your friendships, your school work, your romances, and most importantly, your relationship with yourself. When you let those negative feelings consume you like that, you'll come to find yourself in a many seemingly hopeless situations...trust me on that one.

But do not fret! There is good news, too. You are more than what is hurting you tonight. And no matter what mistakes you've made, YOU are not a mistake. You were made by a perfect God who makes no mistakes. And that same perfect Creator? He tells us we are more than the problems we create...more than the choices that we've made...more than the sum of our past mistakes! No matter how great that sum may be. He sent his one and only son to die for all of those mistakes we make. He loves you so, so much...for you- the good, bad, and the ugly. He knew your name and loved you before you even took your first breath. And you know what that means? You aren't beautiful because your hair looks nice or because you got the lead in the school play...you are beautiful because you are YOU!

So no matter your past mistakes or the harsh criticisms placed upon you, you are beautiful. Right now. Today. Just as you are. Just the way you look as you read those three words: You. Are. Beautiful.

I know what you're thinking...and I understand. All this is so, so much easier said than done. A lifetime pattern of self-denigration is not going to simply disappear overnight. For me, it's definitely a constant battle. But we cant give up! You and I both are going to have to learn how to replace our automatic criticisms with praise and thoughts of our Creator who makes no mistakes.

Practice seeing yourself the way God does... <3

With love,
xLiveOutLoudx

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is new creation;
old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17