The Children We Used to Be

Who were you before you forgot who God made you to be? Who were you before the world told you to get skinny, dress up, hide the "flaws" and "imperfections"? When did you forget to laugh just for the sheer joy of it? To look up into the sky, see the clouds and think of what an amazing God you have. To be a friend just because you love someone. Before you compared yourself to everyone and anyone. Before you felt you had to be the very best at every single thing you tried. When you left your childhood, why did you forget to still be childlike? Who told you to stop being yourself, to wear a mask to fit the mold? And why did you listen to them? I’m not judging. I say all this from experience. It’s sad. And it’s painful.

Imagine when God made you in your mother's womb, that He looked at you and made your smile. That He choose your personality, whether loud or more quiet; your hair color and your eyes. Imagine that He chose the size of your hands and the size of your feet. That He put in you an interest for specific things, like music, or painting, or sports. And that He gave you the excitement to share those things with others.

You’re not a mistake. You have a very specific purpose on this earth, that fits into God's plan for His Kingdom. No matter what the world has told you or what you have tricked yourself into believing, you are precious and a treasure. You don’t have to try to be normal because there is no true normal. Be yourself, as long as it aligns with God's Word, no matter what people might say or think. It can be awkward sometimes, and it can be a process of learning to care more about what God thinks than what others think. It's important though, because as humans, we aren't perfect. We're going to hurt others and say things that aren't always kind. But when we listen to what the Lord says about who we are, we are free and have the confidence to go serve and love others who are hurting and need to hear the good news that Jesus died for them and loves them.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

Now go smile that beautiful smile of yours. Go jump in a puddle or dance in the sunshine. Thank God for who He made you. Accept that you have imperfections, but know that you’re being refined as a diamond.

Some of us are born with health issues/differences; that's because of sin messing up the perfect world God originally made. But one amazing day in Heaven, you will fully and completely be the person God created you to be. We all will be who God created us to be. And we will worship our Lord and Savior together for all eternity!