Changing our self-image

Dear God, this is Kelley.

I ask You to help me see myself as You see me. Well, the image You share doesn’t match with the one I carry. The one I carry was formed in part by those who hurt me. The one I carry doesn’t like what I see in the mirror. It picks at my body. It calls me names. Your image of me not only contradicts those things, but it has this command, a command that I use the grace that comes with it to change all that’s wrong with mine.

This isn’t easy, and I get mad Why? Because it changes everything! It calls me to stand up! It asks me to pick up the courage you lay at my feet. It demands I make the time, the effort, and space to build a new me. I get to take away every board, every stone, every brick in this facade that originated in a lie and replace it with the truths about me that come from You.

And here’s the cool thing, the thing I must remember: when You give such a command, You give the power for me to do it. I just supply the will.

Reflection

Write down a few words describing your view of yourself. Write down a few words you think would come from God about you. Compare.

Prayer

If I’m quiet, God, I can hear Your view of me. (If it is negative, I need to listen more deeply.) I may not be comfortable with it. That’s okay. I may think You should be much harsher — that’s talk I learned from abuse and dysfunction. Help me to be up for it, Lord, this change in self perception. I’m ready to look in the mirror and like what I see. Amen.