The realization came at an unexpected time. I was cleaning my bathroom mirror and there was a smudge that just would not come out. I had camped out at that particular spot and God gently said, Look. Reluctantly I did. You’re beautiful. And I don’t know if He spoke it into existence or if He just brought it to my attention; but the woman in that mirror was really pretty. I just stood there staring at my reflection wondering, “Is this me? Is this how I really look? Is this the face that people see? She is pretty; I’m pretty.” Imagine a grown woman standing in the bathroom, towel in one hand, glass cleaner in another, fighting back tears because at the tender age of 25, she realized that she wasn't ugly after all.
When I was finally becoming comfortable in my newly found, still fragile self esteem, something happened to me that absolutely shattered it. So much so that I was worse off than I was before. I found myself emotionally attached to a man who made me feel as pretty and worthy as God had said. Sadly, I took my focus off of God. Then the unthinkable (in my mind) happened. He rejected me. So because this man casually tossed me aside like a used Kleenex, I lost all confidence in myself. It even questioned my confidence in God.
One night, during weekly Bible study, I was sitting in church trying to listen to the pastor but I caught a glimpse of Mr. Rejecter. All of a sudden, the pastor became blurry. I realized my eyes were filling with tears, I was wondering why he didn't want me (Mr. Rejecter, not my pastor). I remember, clear as day, the image of a well known restaurant flashed in my mind. Then I heard, “You’re like a loaded baked potato” A what? “You’re a loaded baked potato. Don’t be angry because he preferred a plain potato. Everyone cannot handle a loaded baked potato with its variety of flavors and textures. But someone, right now, at this very moment is wishing that they had a loaded baked potato.” I laughed out loud. I thought it was a great comparison… I wanted to run out and have a t-shirt made that said, “Loaded Baked Potato.” I love how God always meets me at my point of need. When He compared me to food, my tentative tears dried up and I felt better.
People have a way of making us feel like we’re less than our true worth. Sometimes it’s intentional, most times it’s not. But we have to stop looking to people to define our worth and keep our eyes on God. You are valuable, bought with a price that none of us—people—could ever pay. Jesus, God’s son, gave his blood and his life for us: You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men (I Corinthians 7:23 NKJV). That makes us invaluable. Men will reject you. Women will reject you. God never will. Somehow, some way, He always reminds us that we are His and that we are worth the price He paid for us.
Today’s Prayer: Thank You God for sending your son to pay the price for me. God help me to realize who I am in You. Remind me that I am worthy, valuable, and purchased with a price. Help me God not to look to men for approval but to seek Your approval. Amen.
