Earlier I wrote a post on security, how it is a part of our very being to want security. We don't usually like to be left alone in unfamiliar territory or walk into a ladies' seminar without a friend, etc.
What is it that makes us secure?
And is there one thing that is relevant to all of us??
I've been pondering this anew lately as I looked a bit at the topic of modesty and why there is a pull for us as women to reveal our bodies.
There was a common thought that kept voicing itself... we as woman want to be accepted. We want to know we are worth something, and our bodies are one place we want to be validated. (This subject is much more, but this post was not to expound on it)
Do I have something worthwhile? Does someone love me?
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LOVE.
Love seems to quietly and loudly shout its presence, that I am what makes the difference.
LOVE.
Love defines. Love quiets the heart. Love secures.
For isn't when we know we are loved for who we are, not what edited pictures proclaim or a moment in when I succeed, that are hearts are quieted and rest is brought to our souls?
When a man asks us to go on a date, we feel valued, like I must be worth something. Or someone chooses to befriend us and our hearts soar with warm, fuzzy feelings.
When we make a mistake and he continues to want us or a friend sticks with us, we are awed that he/she would still want us. Our hearts are quieted.
We want to be loved. In our messy-ness. In our mistakes. In our successes. We want to know, that in-spite-of... someone sees beyond the moment and doesn't hang our worth on our performance, whether good or bad.
There is power in Love.
Love secures.
But there are moments and times when our close friends and loved ones misunderstand and we feel missed. Then what? That ache is still there. Uncertainty grips our hearts and love becomes a search, again...
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When we are searching for love, we search in areas that won't satisfy until we come to JESUS.
JESUS.
The ultimate Lover.
The genuine Lover.
He died for us while we were still sinners.
He pardoned the adulteress.
He called the woman with many husbands to go and sin no more.
He looked at Peter after Peter denied Him three times.
Rahab, the prostitute, found redemption when she chose to follow Him.
and on...
You - ...
Jesus. stretched out His arms. with love. and died. for you. for me.
His love is endless. eternal. knows no bounds or limits.
Jesus, the perfect Lover. He is the One who wants our hearts, first and foremost. He has commanded us to first - love the LORD thy God with ALL THINE HEART and with all thy soul and with all thy mind.
He tells us in Song of Solomon 2:4, just like the bridegroom to his bride, My banner over you is LOVE.
I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jer. 31:3
Friends,
my heart is passionate to stir your heart towards the Love of God; either to remind you of God's love for you or to nudge you on the path to knowing how much you are loved by God.
For when we KNOW we are loved by God, we can let go of our addictions, we don't have to use our bodies for validation; we can rest in God and what He says about me.
Ephesians 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you being ROOTED AND GROUNDED in LOVE,
May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -
To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Friends and people are not meant to complete us, that is God's place to fill. He is a Jealous God and will not give up that position very easily. He does not force us to have Him fill the aches of our hearts, but He sure woos and whispers to us to invite Him in.
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When I KNOW whose I am
and am convinced of His love for me
I can be free.
Free.
Free from needing to perform.
Free from hurting myself.
Free to live.
God's love sets us free!
Like a butterfly perched on the edge of stick
drying its wings as it comes out of a cocoon;
and then...
taking off in the summer's breeze.
ALIVE.
FREE TO BE.
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| it was off before I was ready :) but it's there above the trees... |
May you know deep in your heart that GOD LOVES YOU!
(and this is a journey of a lifetime, for we continually need to return to the Anchor of our soul and be reminded of His love and our worth in Him)
And if you are not convinced.... ask Him. And don't let go until you know.
For where there is LOVE there is LIFE!
He wants you to know! For His love. is the anchor. of the soul.
