I remember one time being challenged to look in a mirror and say things such as, “I am beautiful,” or “I am special.” This was very hard to do. I would break eye contact with myself, as though I were lying to myself. It took several years to be able to say these things confidently, knowing that it was not by someone else’s standards, or even mine own that I was beautiful or special.

Having grown up in a Christian home, I was very aware of all the verses about worth/identity. I am made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27). I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14). However, I had still turned to other people to define my person. I was a social outcast. I was a nerd. I was (fill in the blank). It was too hard to separate my true worth from the reputation I let others give me. I began calling myself by what others said I was, rather than what I knew God said I was.

This led to me continually trying to live up to other people’s expectations. I would change my wardrobe, my personality, my likes and dislikes, just to be wanted by a certain group of people. Sadly, this method continually let me down, got me in trouble, and eventually left me badly hurt. After feeling abandoned by the world, I found that God still, somehow, saw me as special. He still said I was valuable, wanted, important, and best of all I fit in with His plan. Unconditionally! – That’s what grace is for. 

So now, despite what others say around me, or where I live, what job I work, or what car I drive, I can confidently look in the mirror and say, “I am beautiful, loved, and wanted. I was created for a unique purpose that only I can fulfill. I am important.”

I would like to challenge you to make this same proclamation every day over yourself. Don’t let anyone else define you, because their opinions will change with the wind. There is only One who has the authority to say who you are what you were created to do. His opinion of you does not change. His love for you will never fail. Turn to Him, the One and only creator of the universe, let Him tell you who He designed you to be.

“I am beautiful, loved, and wanted. I was created for a unique purpose that only I can fulfill. I am important.”