"I don't know why I feel so badly about myself," the faint voice of a woman said over the phone. "I-I just feel..." she paused after her voice began quivering. "...I feel unworthy and inadequate." While I sat on the other end of the phone, I was moved by her brokenness, but I just listened as she continued talking through her tears. Though I couldn't see her, the periodic sniffling and quaking of her voice indicated that she was crying--though trying desperately to cover it up.
The woman I'm speaking of is a 29 year old college graduate, with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Michigan State University. She currently works at a well-established medical facility in the research department. Ironically, although she helps counsel and treat patients everyday, she can't figure out why she struggles with poor self-image, and constantly battles depression.
We talked for a long time after she contacted me a few weeks ago. I prayed and listened; we didn't hang up until she felt better --at least for that moment. But I know she has a long road ahead of her.
So... our conversation got me to thinking about something profound I want to share with you.
Your self-image determines how far you'll go in life. If you don't believe you're worth the rich heritage God has waiting for you, you'll never go after it. Perhaps, you've been following the blog for several months now. If so, you've read previous discourses on self-image at one time or another. But you never can get enough reinforcement of this message, so here's another.
If, by chance, you fall into the low-self esteem category resulting from mindless insults, criticisms, and mean-spirited attacks that were hurled against you at some point in your life, I want to help you redefine who you are.
We typically link low self-esteem to body image. But there's more to it than that. Although you may not believe you're physically ugly, you may still feel inadequate in some other ways. Perchance, you have bought into the idea that you're not good enough to have what God wants to give you. But until you release self-deprecating views and beliefs about yourself, you won't pursue the promises of God that are on your life.
From here on out, I want you to release negative criticisms, limiting beliefs, and any unhealthy thoughts you've internalized about yourself. Don't let insidious lies tarnish your image of you. IMAGE MATTERS... SELF-IMAGE THAT IS!
Who you become in life is predicated, in part, upon your willingness to see your worth in light of God's word. Don't just say you're "fearfully and wonderfully made," (See Psalm 139:14) you have to really know it in your heart!
An old mother used to always say, "When God made you, He didn't make no junk!"
And she's right. He made a wonderful treasure to the world; one who-- if she will only believe in her own worth-- will maximize her potential in immeasurable ways, while touching innumerable lives.
Own your destiny today. It's waiting for you to tap into it. Please, don't miss out on it because of a negatively flawed self-image. Believe in the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given you to profess and possess what's already yours!
Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
