There is no flaw in you

I’m going to get personal here; I planned a completely different post for today. This is definitely not in my plans, but I’m sure they are in Gods and I’m just rolling with it. So yesterday I had one of those “ugly fat” days. We all get them, I’m pretty positive about that. In the past I would say 7-8 months I gain about 10 pounds, From 115 to 125. To many that’s no big deal, but for me it has affected me in a way I actually did not understand or liked. So I obviously pushed it aside.  Once I pushed it aside I just kept eating and being lazy, I swear I love doing both but I can tell it gets you into a position in your life where you feel stuck. I’ve been here before, all my life I have fluctuated in my weight, since I can remember I’ve always herd the words “omg she’s so chubby” or “wow she got so skinny”.  I wish society and my own brain wouldn’t worry about how my body looks or how my hips cling on to fabric. 

Yesterday I was talking to my boyfriend and we were talking about being healthy, he’s recently lost a lot of weight, “relationship weight” , but I, after 2 years of dating just started gaining it. While we were talking I simply just broke down into sobs, you know the ones with those Chewbacca noises? Yup that’s the kind of crying I did. He was terrified and was trying everything to console me. But I was crying because I couldn’t say that I loved my body. It hurts to not be able to say that. What hurt me the most was that I know 90% of the girls I interact with and girls I don’t even know, cry about that same reason. So cried for me and I cried for them.

““I love this part” we’ll say it about our favourite song.  Why can’t we say it about our body? “ -unknown.

So while I was having my breakdown, in my head I started saying “I love my body and it is beautiful” and the more I repeated it the calmer my whole soul got. That’s when I understood, that you must also be kind to yourself every single day with words. Words affect the world in such a way that it has changed the course of history. Words have created history. So why not create the most beautiful, stunning, gorgeous love story to yourself. You owe it to yourself to love the skin you are in. There is a line in a spoken word by Natalie Patterson that says “We own something we never paid for, we didn’t earn it so we don’t comprehend the value of it.” We do not comprehend the value of the most beautiful thing created, our bodies because Jesus paid for it, and we didn’t. It was gift of grace, and we misuse it, talk nasty to it, and downright ignore it. It’s time to start saying “I love this part” instead of saying “I hate this part” or “I wish I could change this”. We need to stop the “I am beautiful BUT” and just say “I am beautiful.”

I encourage you to write a love letter to yourself. Telling yourself what you like and what you admire about yourself. The only catch is that you are not allowed to write anything that you think you need to improve or fix about yourself. You are only allowed to write compliments, we don’t receive compliments very well, so start by receiving your own. Always remember on those days when you just can't seem to love yourself hard enough and you can't see past the unworthiness; God doesn't measure your worth by the size of your hips.

“You are altogether beautiful, my love, there is no flaw in you” Song of Solomon 4:7

With love and grace- Diana

p.s I'm adding this amazing spoken word, it is outstanding!

Link for moblie users :) Enjoy!!

 " 'You are beautiful, no matter what they say words can't bring you down' -- BUT they do.." -Mike Young

Breaking Up With Your Comfort Zone

Comfort. Who doesn't like being comfortable. It's easy, it's something were used to. You don't have to face change, and the things that come with it. It's simple. And I'm not talking about the kind of comfort like relaxing after a long day, or how comfortable your shoes are. I mean the big stuff. Those things in life that you're afraid of doing. Whether it be public speaking (like me) or something bigger.

When we're trapped in our comfort zone, it's a place of security because there are no imposing threats to it. For me, public speaking is something that has been, and is hard for me to do. But I'm working on getting out of that comfort that I've placed myself in. God calls us to be bold and courageous because after all, He IS with us at all times. God says He will never forsake us; that means when your trembling with fear because youre trying something new. Even when we ask God "Send someone else, anyone but me" He kindly looks at us and reminds us of His power and might. One of my favorite bible passages is that of Moses in Egypt. Moses was terrified!

"But Moses pleaded with the Lord , “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord ? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4: 10-12 NLT

How many times have we passed up an opportunity because we were afraid, or we thought we weren't equipped for it. It's funny because God wants you out of your comfort zone, so He will tug at a specific area of your life. If you keep reading the rest of the passage you see that Moses really wasn't having it and he pleaded to have someone else be the speaker. So God chose Aaron. I don't know about you, but I don't want fear to stop me from living out the plan that God has for me. So it's time to be uncomfortable;  to run away from the all too familiar and to run into the unknown. Something new. All it really is is an opportunity for growth. Reach for it!

It's time we realize that we can really do all things through Christ. That means it won't be with your strength but His. Its time to breakup with our comfort zone because it really gets you nowhere. You are not free when you're in that zone because something will always hold you back. You say you want to go deeper in a relationship with God, but you're stuck in your little bubble, when He wants you to go deeper. If you have to be a little uncomfortable in the process,  so be it, because in the end you will have gained so much more than you could have ever imagined. Just remember, even though it may be scary, you are NOT alone.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."  John 15:1-5

Dear Comfort Zone,

....It's over.

♥ Lots of Love, Michelle ♥

Guest Post: Perseverance Is The Only Option! By Dylan Stewart

Hi my name is Dylan; this is sort of new for me so I am just trying to give it a go. I have had many different challenges in my life a lot of them having to do with inner demons and some even turning into outer demons. I am from Trinidad and Tobago so I am black, I have the normal stereotype of a black male loves sports, doesn't do great in school, got into a lot of trouble when I was young, so I had to learn how to PERSEVERE. That’s a key word in my life for more reasons than not. When I was around the age of three both my parents died, luckily for me I grew up in a close knit family so quick as a whistle my grandma adopted me. My life was more than normal until around the age of 9 I started to wonder where my parents were and why other children have a mommy and daddy and I only have my grandma. It took one conversation with my grandma to quickly make me aware of the situation which looking back on it now sent me spiraling into a place I didn't want to be. Its seems as though when it rains it pours because along the way of this bombshell(about three years later) I stumbled into another, I quickly formed a lot of self-doubt and self-critique of my image thinking I was too fat or that I was ugly along with many other things. This began a hole I dug for myself a very deep hole.

"But you timothy are a man of God so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a Godly life along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11.

Once this hole started it was VERY difficult to get out and I found myself day after day feeling miserable and constantly talking down to myself until one day around the age of 14 or 15 I encountered God. It was probably the most calming feeling I have ever had over my life. It was on a soccer field right before one of my big games he came to me at this clear field with fresh chalk rolled out on the grass and he filled me with a joy, a childlike joy, which literally transformed me from always wanting to be quiet, keeping to myself and pretty much turning away from everyone. To wanting to have new friends actually talking to people taking on more important roles and as that started to develop a sense of perseverance was placed over my heart.

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."- Galatians 6:9.

It was hard I had been digging this hole for about 6 years now and the climb out would proceed to take another 4 years but I wanted this change I didn't want to give up on the change so I wouldn't let it happen! No sir not one bit I had to PERSEVERE I had no other options. It all started with confronting the issue that I was healthy and growing up to be a rather good looking boy. As childish or as dumb as this may sound this took me surrounding myself with girls to gain compliments and just attention. It didn’t take me long to realize that the only person who can give me confidence in life is and always will be Jesus Christ.  What to me the most amazing thing was seeing my faith in God grow stronger and my belief in perseverance grew along with it; many things that use to bother me disappeared. I only really had one problem left, the fact that I had no mom and no dad. With this new rejuvenation I went at it full steam.

"Put on the full armor of Christ so that you may take on the devil's scheme." -Ephesians 6:11

Around the time I was dealing with this chapter of my life, I met my now girlfriend, who is a wonderful and strong women, I don't know how else to put it other than she helped me put my nose down and push through. No matter how sad I was one day or how angry I was the next she was always there to continue to help me tackle the issues and look deeper and deeper inside myself. Something amazing happened one day, probably on the worst I had ever felt, I found myself back in the place where this all started, the soccer field.  What I heard was "Don't stop now you guys are doing great" and in all honesty it freaked me out because I had never thought about hearing this voice, I thought it was me, my own voice, but quickly the argument I was having in my head was dismissed by a voice almost surreal and that just echoed of power. That was the turning point for me that day I knew that nothing could stop me because my God backs me up and he sees the bigger picture Even though I have no parents, I have an amazing family and best of all I have the best father, my God. He knew me before anyone else in the world did, he knew my struggles and my heartache. He’s always been present, it was a very real battle for me to expel all that was going on inside me, but that’s what’s amazing about our God, he already knew.  I know that with the perseverance my God has bestowed on my life I would get through it and get through it I did.

"By standing firm you will gain life"- Luke 21:19

Perseverance is probably one of the hardest weapons to use, there are many times you just want to quit or to just say enough is enough but then that’s when faith and hope kicks in. You may be lacking a mom or a father, maybe even both like me but always remember 

" Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close." Palms 27:10. Where you lack, He fills and only Him. When you put your trust and love in the One that never runs out of perseverance, I promise you can’t give up on the one who died on the cross for you and for me, giving up on life is not an option; the only option is perseverance.

Persevere (verb); to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragements; continue steadfastly

- Dylan Stewart.

Why your family should be your first ministry

“And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.’” Mathew 22:39

It’s a beautiful verse, it pushes us to love people we would never in our wildest dreams think we could fellowship with. It’s basically what the whole ministry of Jesus was about; loving thy neighbour. Now we love this, we take this and love the world! We go out and preach and go on missions trips and we talk so nicely about loving everyone and that’s great; but what about when you go back home? Are you still walking in the words you preach? Are you so busy serving others in the name of The Lord that all you give your household are the leftovers, the crumbs, of your love, servant-hood and respect? 

"Isn’t it ironic how much more patient, kind and loving we are towards people we probably won’t have much to do with in five years than we are towards the very people who will be holding our hand when we die? Wouldn’t it be great if we poured the majority of our energy into our family first, before pouring it into the lives of others?" - Annette P. Soldini

I’ve struggled with being kind and compassionate to my own family. I admit to giving the crumbs of my servant-hood to my household. I remember one day my mom was talking on the phone with someone and she was complimenting the way I am, and my mom responded “Are you sure you are talking about MY daughter?” (I didn't want to clean that day so she was quite sarcastic but truthful). Now this was a while ago, but when I heard that it hurt and it was my changing point. I know what it is to not live up to what I say in my own household. The biggest proof of God is your own testimony. There’s a saying that says “Be careful with the way you act you may be the only bible some people read.” There is such a deep truth to this quote that it is actually so alarming. Not only does the world look at our actions but even our own family looks at the way we act at home.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:5-7

I think that’s the problem with this generation. We want revival and we are so ready for it. We say how we are living for the Lord and how we are going to love the whole world; but as soon as our parents call us to do something, we get into this defensive mood and don’t ever want to serve them. How are we supposed to serve the world with a heart of a servant when we can’t even serve our own household? How can we make a difference in our generation when we aren’t even impacting our own family? Revival and love starts with the people that have seen us on the “stomach flu” days and still love us no matter what.

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “ -Exodus20:12

The only commandment in the bible with a promise, “so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you”. You see how much God also realizes that honoring your family is one of the most important ministries you can ever have? If you didn’t catch that, there’s a small revelation here, “in the land the Lord your God is giving you” now it might not technically be a piece of grass but he is giving you a calling, an area in which you will spread the gospel; that’s your land. Now the only condition He has for you to live long in that “land” is for you to honor your mother and father; your family, your household.

It’s so easy to put your family second to the other things that might bring you pleasure. I know for me it has been putting my family before this blog, and my laziness (Yes, I love to do nothing when I have the chance). I realize I have to dedicate more time and serve them even in the smallest things like mopping the floor and actually doing it wholeheartedly. You aren’t perfect and Lord knows I am far from it but making it a priority to serve and honour the ministry you were born in will have its rewards in the end. Loving your parents, stepparents, grandparents, guardians or whoever else is in charge of you, takes your life to whole different dimension. Be the change you want to see happening because it all starts at home.

-With Love & Grace- Diana C

In Unity there is Strength

I hope everyone is having a great day today! So today is Family Day in Ontario, a day that no-one has to work and you get to take a day to enjoy your family. It's pretty great actually; no school or work, late breakfast, hanging out watching movies all day. Its pretty sweet. But just like valentines day, we shouldn't take just one or two days out of 365 to express our love and how much we care for one another, especially our families. The way I see it, if God only waited until the holidays to love us then we would be in trouble, lost, most likely dead somewhere. God doesn't wait for a special occasion to love on us, nor does He take a holiday from loving us. So why should we? God calls us to be united, and to love one another. I'm guilty of not expressing my love for my friends and family every day, but I'm trying. Take the time to show those you care for how much they really mean to you! You never know how much they might need to hear it.

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
Proverbs 18:21 NLT

Use your words for good and not evil! Often times we use our words to break people more often than to build them up. Absolutely everyone has said something that has hurt someone they love; its inevitable. But what I believe is that you can make it right. Apologize and take responsibility for your words and actions. Replace those hurtful words with words that edify and bring hope and love. I challenge you to be more mindful of your words and how much they can truly affect a persons day. So use your words to build stronger relationships rather than tearing them down.

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all." Ephesians 4:2-6 NLT

This passage is so good! I love it! It shows me the basic instructions for us to live in unity. It calls for us to be humble, gentle, patient and to make an active EFFORT. Woah! Does that mean I have to actually make time for my family? (at home and even our families in Christ) Does that mean I have to put aside my differences and try to make things work? Does that mean I have to apologize even if something wasn't my fault? Yes, yes and YES! We play a very active role in a family. Both at home and at church. Everyone is vital to Gods kingdom, and everyone; big or small, young or old plays an important role in the body of Christ.

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."
Romans 12:4-5 NLT

It's pretty clear, am I right? So God calls us to unity, to love, and to work together. I think a lot of the time we let others take the responsibility to make a change. But I think its time we give ourselves a little more credit.  You can make a huge difference. If you don't feel like you are loved, start to show love to others, if you feel like there is no unity, take a bold step and begin to show love, patience and all the steps that bring us closer to being united.  Show those around you how much you love them in a Christ-like way. We often forget to express our feelings, especially since we may be so wrapped up in life. Just take a moment and do it. You wont lose anything. 

 
With lots of love, Michelle ♡

Love: In Three Words

This is going to be a very short post but since it was Valentine’s Day yesterday, why not talk about love. I made a decision that I was going to read the gospel of Jesus all over again but this time for each verse I was going to write something about it. A few days ago I was asked what love was to me, and my chapter for that day was Luke 23, the death of Jesus. The greatest sign of love is right there written very bluntly in that chapter. But what caught my attention was Luke 23:42:

“Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” “

That is love. It is messy, crazy, and scandalous. That a criminal was asking REMEMBER ME when you come into your kingdom and Jesus basically said “no worries bro it’s your kingdom too, you will be with me” I don’t know about you but that just gets me so excited about love and life. To know that even in the darkest of my days I still have Jesus to say “You will be with me in paradise, NO MATTER WHAT”

In Genesis 2:7 it says,

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

And in Mark 15:27 it says,

“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.”

God is a divine entity, He is not human therefore He doesn’t have a sex, organs or any humanly thing we possess. God didn’t have lungs; he never had the dependency to live off breathing. So isn’t it interesting that in Genesis it says he BREATHED life into the man. That just speaks so clearly to me, God’s FIRST breath was given to ME. In John Jesus breathed his last breath on a cross, again for whom? Oh yeah, ME. So the first breath of God was for me, and the last breath of Jesus was also for me. Knowing me, if I was going to have to give my first breath to someone and my last, I’m going to pick someone off the charts, like Mother Teresa. It would be an honour to be held responsible for giving her the breath of life, twice. But God (my favourite phrase is BUT GOD) gave His breath for me, you, that weed smoker and that prostitute. He loves that he is responsible for giving the breath of life to every single one of us, He's proud of us, even when we give Him nothing in return. That’s called Agape love; selfless LOVE. 

As you all know Jesus died on the cross on Skull Mountain and 3 days later he rose again (woohoo). For those 3 days he was fighting for everyone on this earth, he was fighting for sin and humanity; and he won. It took 3 days, and isn't it funny how “I love you” has 3 words in it also? And not only “I love you” but every other statement that my Jesus uses to say I am loved:

You are redeemed

You are saved

You are healed

You are adored

You are forgiven

You are free.

This is real passionate crazy love.

With Love & Grace- Diana

Through Storm and Through Breakthrough

We've all been through trials and tribulations in our lives. Some more than others, and we've ALL heard time and time again to remain faithful to God in these times and that He will come through for us. I agree with this 100% that God remains faithful to us at all times. When God finally pulls through we are ecstatic, because obviously we deserved it right? We prayed for a whole hour, maybe even two; we really got into the word and began to see that God is faithful. It comes to the point when you are really and truly devoted to God that you finally begin to trust and praise in the storm. So that’s great you've learned to increase your devotion to Him in times of trouble; your darkest hour. But what about when the morning comes and all your troubles have disappeared? Are you still the devoted and faithful to Him?

There's a topic that Bill Johnson briefly talks about in one of his teachings and it seriously impacted my life. He talks about increasing your devotion in times of blessing and NOT just tribulation. We may dedicate more time to seeking God when we are in trouble, when our finances aren’t the greatest or when we get bad news from the doctor. But when all of our problems are solved and we’re fine and dandy; we go back to putting God back into His "little box" ready for the next time that we need his help. He's not a genie in a bottle and the fact that we treat Him like one shows how selfish we can really be.

Don't you just hate it when someone calls you only when they need something from you? Now just imagine how God feels. Don't you think he wants you to include Him in all your good times and not just the bad? Jesus was with those who were in need and in sorrow, and he felt their pain. But he was also there with them to celebrate the miracles that he would perform.

"As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”  And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”                 Luke 17:11-19 NLT

This scripture is so raw and it shows how much we haven’t changed. If out of those 10 men only 1 came back to give the glory to God when He was right there in front of them, just imagine how it is today. That's pretty sad. But our God is so good that he chooses to overlook this in us, and He still chooses to love us even though we may forget about being devoted to Him when times are good. Of course it's easier said than done because that means fighting off the desires of the flesh like not waking up earlier to search for His Glory or not reading the Bible at all. Even in your good days, when everything seems to be going right, when you really don’t think it is necessary to actually know His heart more; that’s when you should search for it without ceasing. Like I said, it’s easier said than done, but nothing is impossible with God on your side. Once you experience that peace in your best of days and also in your rainy days it doesn’t become hard to praise him ALL the time.

Something that goes hand in hand with this is learning to trust God’s decisions because they are better than yours.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8

 I mean, God made this world and everything in it; including you and me. So wouldn't you give Him more credit by trusting His decisions? Sometimes it might hurt us, but I promise you that if you take into account His judgment over yours, it is a lot better than you could ever imagine. It’s time to trust Him with EVERY aspect of your life. God loves it when you do that, believe me. 

Just take Job for example; He lived in prosperity for a good chunk of His life until one day Satan asked God to see if he was actually a faithful man; a Godly man. He attacked him in EVERYTHING. You know what? Job was firm in His God, even when His wife and friends mocked Him, He still praised! This is because when he was living the good life, he knew it was all due to the favor God had upon him. He never put God in his “rescue” box, he walked hand in hand with Him. He praised Him in his storm the same way he praised him when he was healthy and wealthy.

“Even though He would kill me, yet I will trust in Him” Job 13:15

Trust me when I say that God knows better. Our plans can easily make us prideful because we may think we’re in control; which is totally not the case.

"Lord, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud."  Psalms 140:8 NLT

 I think it’s time we step up to the plate and wholeheartedly trust God with everything in our lives. Trust His judgment and accept that He knows better. Not only that, but never stop increasing your devotion to Him. When you are going through a difficult time, increase your devotion.  When you receive breakthrough increase your devotion. When your opposition increases, you guessed it, increase your devotion. But when God is aligning everything; when you feel His Glory shining upon you and you can’t help but say “ I love life”, that’s when you need to increase your devotion even more. Remember the promises you made Him in your struggles. Praise and Glory be to Him at ALL TIMES.

With Love, Michelle ♥

It is not what you are that holds you back, It is what you think you are not

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

 But what if you can't see yourself as a masterpiece? What if you just see yourself as the scraps and everyone one else is the masterpiece. Self-esteem has been heavy on my heart recently, so this is exactly what I am going to tackle today. One of the things this generation lacks is self-esteem and boy do we lack it. We are so completely consumed with the perfect Instagram pictures and Pinterest pins that we start comparing everyone’s highlights to our back stage moments. Comparing is your arch enemy, especially for your self-esteem. The more you compare yourself to others the more you are devaluing yourself as a Child of God. Ladies and gents let's not compare our-selves to the people in the magazines because even they don't look like that. Our identity does not lie on a thigh gap, a flat stomach or a 6 pack; now I am not saying that you can't be fit and healthy. I am just tired of my generation putting such a low value on themselves because of lack of self worth and trying to Photoshop our lives to look like everyone else's. We must first find our worth through our Father’s words in the Bible, rather than trying to find it in how many likes or views you receive. At the end of the day finding your value in likes won’t last long, but finding your worth through the eyes of your heavenly Father will last an eternity.

 It is easier said than done, I have experienced this firsthand. It is so difficult to understand your true worth when you try to accomplish it yourself. When you stop trying to find yourself in relationships, in likes, and in praise; The day you let your guard down and stop trying so hard to make yourself feel like someone important; that’s the day He will pick you up and show you your true worth. He will show you that you are worth more than the shiniest diamonds in the world even if you feel completely rejected. You may feel rejected by family members, maybe your father, mother, society, boys, or girls. But know that your Maker loves you beyond compare. That’s why we have such an amazing God.

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” Psalms 27:10 NLT

Rejection is one of the toughest feelings to overcome; it lowers your self-esteem and you start believing that maybe you are worthy of rejection. Jesus understands that. He also faced rejection and ridicule. But He was also set apart and appointed to greatness, just like we are all appointed to do greatness.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12 NIV

When the feeling of rejection overcomes you, run to Him because He will embrace you and in the sweetest way will say “I know, I felt that too.” Those negative thoughts are all from the enemy, he does not want you to do greater things than Jesus did or for you to see your value. It wont let Satan's kingdom prosper if you start realizing you are appointed for greatness in the name of Jesus. He rather have you in a ball of low self-esteem because he knows your value and worth. How crazy is that! That Satan knows how valuable you are and how important you are in this world that he tries his hardest for you to not see that. That's how amazing you are! That even the devil sees your worth, but you can't...Let that sink in.

Something women and men struggle with is respecting themselves. If I had a penny for how many times a girl or a boy talk negative about themselves I would be a billionaire. That to me is so wrong and I myself struggle with this too. We do not respect the bodies we are living in, we insult it. We don’t respect our own personality; sometimes, we sometimes try to hide traits that are uniquely ours. People can never become all that God wants them to be unless they first respect themselves. We have to decide to stop bringing ourselves down so much. When you are about to say something that goes against what the word of God says about you, you must rebuke it. Not letting negative thoughts have a place in your mind will change the way you see yourself. One of our biggest goals in life is to see people the way Jesus sees them, but we can’t do that if we don’t even see ourselves through His eyes

“Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:4

 

I remember a story I read a few weeks left called “Twenty Dollars” a speaker in a seminar asked his audience if they wanted a 20 dollar bill. Of course all hands went up. He then took out the 20 and he crumbled it, then asked “Who still wants this?” hands were still up. Then he dropped it on the floor and stepped on it with his shoe and asked again if anyone wanted it. Still hands were up in the air. He proceeded to say “My friends, you have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. IT IS STILL WORTH $20." The moral of the story here is that no matter how dirty, crumbled of thrown you are, your value will never decrease. You are still worth it and you are still loved. As women and men of God, let’s set a goal to see ourselves in a new light but in the light that our God sees us in. Let’s prophesize beauty in our lives and not allow the thoughts of the enemy roam in our mind. I would like for you to repeat this small prayer with me:

“Father God, I thank you for making me and knitting me to perfection. I pray that I may feel the love that you feel for me, always. I thank you for every freckle, wrinkle, strand of hair, and every pound. Everything was perfectly and precisely placed by you to make me who I am. I will no longer disrespect this masterpiece that you have created with love and care. I will no longer entertain the enemy's negative thoughts of me, for I am valuable in the kingdom of God. I will no longer struggle with low self-esteem; and search for my value in the wrong places. I promise to find my worth in you and only you. Thank you once again for making me the way I am, I am made to perfection for the purpose I will carry. In Jesus name amen”

 

I hope this has inspired you to lift yourself up, and those around you. Feel free to email us at twoarebetterthanone1@gmail.com if you are struggling with self-esteem, for it leads to many lonely thoughts and a saddened heart. No one should suffer alone.

 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. “- Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

 

 More than enough may I add ;)

With love and grace-Diana