The term “AS IS” notifies the potential buyer an item has an imperfection. The chip on a crystal wine glass resulting

from a hardy toast; a jagged dark line revealing a crack in a vase; the figurine’s delicate arm now re-glued.  Each the scar of a life event locked in the attic of my mind.

Small imperfections offer a discount to the discerning decorative buyer. However, those same imperfections offer a story to tell and an opportunity.

I looked at myself seeing similar labels signifying my imperfections as damaged goods, flawed, broken, incomplete, blemished, defective, angry, insecure, a failure, unlovable and unworthy.

“As Is” inscribed on my forehead for all to see. Life events held secrets and never shared. Who would ever love me?

Through trial and error, my imperfections transformed into a driving force within me to strive for perfection.  If only I could do better, I would gain their love.  If I were skinny, smarter, quieter, prettier, someone would love me.

Partial successes punctuated with a long line of failures.  Unaware of the blanket of negativity dictating my perception of myself and my reaction to others.  My heart screamed, “What do I have to do for someone to love me?”

The smallest mistake could trigger a burst of anger taken out on someone else when the one I was angry with was me. All from a simple error.

With every mistake added another label to my blanket; now like a crazy quilt of my unworthiness. It repulsed me with all its bulk, lacking the warmth my heart craved.

While struggling with my value as God ‘s daughter, I heard His voice ask. “Am I not enough for you, Lyn?”  Stunned, I mulled over the question. My relationship with God and others hung in the balance.

I pleaded “God, You can do anything. Make me loveable.”  I heard his voice again, “I have already given you the answer. Dwell in it, if you seek Me you will find me.”

Not the answer I was looking for.

Jeremiah 29:13 Voice  You will look for Me intently, and you will find Me.

Daily, I looked in the mirror. Learning to make eye contact with me was nearly impossible. Then I would say, “Lyn, I love you and the Heavenly Father loves you more than you know.”

Understanding God’s grace took time. An impossible task until I was able to view myself as my heavenly Father saw me.

I searched the Bible for words that spoke to me.

I continued building my relationship with God.  Soon I realize my connection with the Heavenly Father also affected my association with friends and family.

Then one day it hit me like a ton of bricks. God’s grace, His all-encompassing love, and instantaneous forgiveness are sufficient for me.

With life-giving joy relationships with the Father, family and friends grew into a tree of love with broad branches and fed with deep roots. My tree of life. My flaws relabeled as strengths; assets I use in life.

Not every day runs smooth, and yes, there are some days I am not my best. I think we can all say that about ourselves. With the Father’s love, His protection, and faithfulness there are more good days now.

I am loved.

I am beautiful.

I am forgiven.

I am protected.

 

Explore the Next Level

 

1. Jeremiah 29:13

Voice:  You will look for Me intently, and you will find Me.

NIV: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Look up Different translations of Jeremiah 29:13.

(You will find links to some of my favorite sites on the My Favorites page)

Choose the one that speaks to your heart the most.

Write in your Journal, A notebook or composition book. Read it every day for seven days or Memorize the verse

List three actions you will use to seek God.

1. ___________________________
2. ___________________________
3. ___________________________

 

2.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9   NIV

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Look up Different translations of 2 Corinthians 12:9

What are key words that stand out in different translations?

___________________  ____________________ ___________________  ____________________

How can you use this verse in your life?

 

 

3. I have shared my story with you. Will you share with me in the comments? The best way to learn from each other is to start a conversation.