…and for a few weeks, he made me feel like the prettiest girl in the world. Sure, he probably just said the things that I wanted to hear. However, the reality is that he said what I needed to hear. I mean he spoke straight to all the insecurities that I had never mentioned. Now, while I do remember all his words vividly, I’ll just sum it up like this:
One day, after noticing the awkward “thank you”s and the awkward silence that followed all of his compliments…he asked me if I had any insecurities. Uh, duh! So, after sharing a diluted version of my struggle with self-esteem, he said it; A statement that would reach deep down in my heart and begin to transform the way that I see myself…
“I just wish that you could see yourself the way I see you”
…and even though, those were his words, all I heard was God.
“You are beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.”
– Song of Songs 4:7 NLT
The MIRROR is the one thing that consistently captures the unfiltered image of me. I’ve never been a fan. Of course, I check in to make sure my outfit doesn’t look crazy, but I honestly avoid it otherwise. You see looking in a mirror is an unwelcome reminder that I still am not as thin, as pretty, as curvy, as “snatched”….or as beautiful as I’ve always hoped to be. There are days that I can quickly override the negative self-talk. There ARE certain hairstyles and outfits that make me feel reallllll cute ya’ll. Then, there are the days that getting dressed is SUCH A TASK. On those days it takes all the emotional energy to pull together an outfit, walk out the house, and pretend to be okay with my appearance.
“So God made human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
– Genesis 1:27 NLT
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well…..How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!”
– Psalms 139:13-14, 17 NKJV
God created me in HIS image. I AM his handiwork. He loves ME.
I have a natural and unfading beauty that doesn’t rely on elaborate clothing, jewelry or makeup. [1 Peter 3:3-4]
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me [1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19]
I have been accepted by Jesus Christ [Romans 15:7]
p.s. I highly recommend that you post this image on your social media and tag a friend (..or 2 or 5 or 10 lol). You can even edit it with the name of a friend on the “To” line and text it to them.We each have a responsibility to remind ourselves and others about how much God loves them! You might even know just how much they need to hear it today.
black. blessed. becoming 
I know that it sounds like something you’ed expect a father to say, but I believe that you are one of the MOST precious and beautiful creations God made. I am honored to not just be your father but to have my breath taken away every time i see you. My greatest concern is that a young man connects himself to your life without having that same awe and fear that he would me in serious trouble with God for NOT treating you in that manner at ALL times. Love your Dad!
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