Thursday, March 15, 2018

Mirrors and Reflections

Old post I started and never finished (until now)...  It's been two years since I've written.  Perhaps I should stop being afraid of putting myself "out there", and just write .....

Recently I found myself in the position where I've had to buy a number of mirrors.  It's interesting. While it's possible that each mirror, due to size, type, and quality may present a differing reflection, what I noticed more greatly is how I would see myself in the reflection, depending on my state of mind or feelings toward myself in the moment. Was I obsessing about my outward appearance? Or was I looking at myself from a place of grace, and knowledge of my beauty because of my value in Christ? Mostly, I've noticed my external appearance. My inner state of doubt, and of want of belonging and acceptance amongst others, seems to drive my own constant criticism of all that I'm not.  Is this all there is for you and I? I have to believe that Jesus did not suffer, die and rise for us, for us to be stuck in this "state".   

How are we seeing ourselves? What lens are we using to see and view ourselves in this life? Do we see ourselves as weak, fat, lazy? Or do we see beloved, made-new, made-whole, ones loved by a God who gave His ALL for us?  If you could measure the depth of His love by outstretched arms on a Roman cross some 2000 years ago, why would we not run to the only one Who has given everything, A living God who died for us, to set us free from us looking and seeing "less than" in mirror and heart reflections.  Why would we rise and fall by the criticisms of a world and people instead? Why wouldn't we rest in, trust in and lean on this living God and all He says we are to Him, with Him, through Him and for Him. He loves us. He loves you.

When we will stop being swayed and underwhelmed and unfocused by the madness of this world. The superficiality of this life? Perhaps fully letting go, and being overwhelmed with Jesus grace and love will help us to be released to revival in ourselves, and others? I certainly don't have any answers, save this....  Even though I fully believe in Him as Savior and Lord of my life, heart, mind and spirit - I haven't fully released myself to Jesus yet. But I "know", when and if I do, I just may find everything I've ever wanted and been hoping hard for, I might just release myself from this unhealthy, and unnecessary criticism and expectation - and likewise - release others of it too. Will you be brave today, and lean into and trust Him? Keep going, Beloved! All we need, we can find in Jesus! He is our only endeavor. 

Curiously, I posted this on social media in 2014, on this day. I felt it appropriate to re-share here with this post ....

Yesterday was rough. Today is a new day and offers a fresh start.
So as I prepare to start the day I imagine God speaking these things to you and I...

“You’re awesome, don’t let anyone tell you any different.”

“You can do all things through Me, who strengthens you."

"I am with you all day.”

“I love you for who you are, not what you do. I am proud of you because you are mine.”


Here are some verses to lean into today...

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1)

For He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in His sight in love (Ephesians 1:4)

And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12) 

We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you... (1 Thessalonians 1:4) 

Look around you... you are part of the beauty you behold... you are His heart with skin on (made in His image, set apart, called His Beloved and adopted into His family in Christ, through Christ)




  

In His Love, and By His Grace ~ 
Amy