the thread of confidence
I recently took my teenage daughter dress shopping for a dance coming up at her school. I prayed beforehand that we would find “the dress”. You know what I’m talking about. “The dress” is when you put it on and you feel like a million bucks! The confidence that takes place in that moment is indescribable!
So anyway, my daughter takes an arm full of dresses to try on and, in my mind, I’m just hoping she hangs them back up after she tries them on. But, as I was waiting outside the dressing room to see the fashion show that was about to begin, I couldn’t help but notice another teenage girl going into the dressing room next-door. She was darling, radiating beauty, and I could tell she was an athlete just returning from a game. As my daughter tried on clothes and we saw all the interesting fashions that are out there right now (some of them made me question the fashion industry), the girl in the dressing room next-door stepped out with all of her dresses in her arms and tears streaming down her face. She continued to sob, big tears, because the dresses didn’t look right, fit right, she didn’t feel pretty in them, and the list goes on. (I overheard her conversation) I was in shock, but also my heart hurt for her, because the young lady was gorgeous. I was also so frustrated with the dresses who were trying to tell her something different about herself. See in that moment, this young lady allowed fabric to determine her value and her worth and how she saw herself. She also allowed the mirror to define her and dictate whether she’s beautiful enough by the world standards that have somehow been set for all of us. I desperately wanted to chase after this girl and tell her the truth about who she is, tell her what God says about her, that she is beautiful, and she has so much value and worth. But then I had the realization that I might be considered a creeper if I went chasing after her! I find myself praying for this young lady even as I write this.
Those who are reading this right now, I am praying for you as well. I’m praying that you will know the value and worth and purpose your life has. I’m praying you will not allow others, the mirror, or even fabrics, to define who you are or how you feel about yourself. This is not where your confidence is found. God describes you in so many amazing ways! You are a masterpiece, His daughter, heir to the throne, fearfully and wonderfully made, created in His image,… should I go on? Remember that your maker and creator says you are made with extraordinary skill and brilliance, a work of art of a highest quality. Do not let anything or anyone else be the voice that you listen to. There is only ONE voice that matters!