Loving Yourself as God Loves You

As we near the end of me promoting my book (just another week or two and then we'll be back to talking about all things design and writing), this weeks topic is pretty heavy for some.

This concept of loving yourself as God loves you came about when I was having a really bad day. Someone made a snide comment about my appearance, which happens more than you'd think. Usually, I'm prepared for it and let it go in one ear and out the other, but this particular day struck a nerve.

Social media - - - - - can be good, but can also be absolutely terrible. Suddenly you find that people become bold in their comments, saying things they'd likely never say to you in person, yet have no problems with letting the whole world see their hate filled comments. 

Meanwhile, as you are struggling to wrap your head around what has just been said about you, someone else tells you to get thick skin. 

The two things lacking in both of these situations is compassion and empathy.

One thing I have tried to do is to lead in love and kindness as much as possible, but I'll admit, I have failed at this before. When I bring compassion and empathy to the table, it can be viewed as a weakness a reason for someone to take advantage of me. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that I usually see that coming a mile away, but I have also sometimes missed that red flag warning. 

So...how do you continue to love yourself when other people are so quick to tear you down?

• It's a choice you make.
• It's looking yourself in the mirror every day and reminding yourself whose you are.
• It's saying a prayer for the person who hurt you.
• It's responding with kindness.
• It's forgiving those who are unkind.
• It's putting yourself first.
• It's taking time in solitude to deepen your relationship with God.
• It's going for a walk, even if you don't feel like it.
• It's reaching for a healthier meal instead of indulging.
• It's prioritizing self-care over no care.
• It's being your own pump-up or hype-girl.
• It's dancing like no one is watching.
• It's remembering your inner child and what makes her squeal with joy.
• It's all these things and so many more.

Last week when I met with my virtual launch team, we discussed this chapter, which I knew would be a difficult conversation. My lovely friend, Kim, was leading the questioning and she lovingly asked me one of the hardest questions I've ever had to face. 

 

The question - 

As an artist, I’d like you to discuss how you feel about your handiwork and whether you’ve ever viewed yourself as one of God’s great works of art.

 

My honest answer - 

No. I know that I am an imperfect person, I am a sinner, and while I am redeemed and loved by God, I have never viewed myself as one of God's great works of art because I don't feel worthy of that title.

 

Does this mean I'm not worthy of that title or that I'm not one of God's great works of art? No, it doesn't. It means that I view things very differently than others. Just because I'm a Christian, doesn't mean that I don't doubt or that hardship doesn't come, because God never promised life would be easy. He only promises to be with us in the thick of it.

I know there's more I could be doing, should be doing, and hope to be doing. But I also know I fall short...on the daily!

So, if you don't feel as though you are one of God's great works of art, don't fear, because not all of us do, and you know what? That's okay! Life can be messy, and I'm here to meet you in your messy and show you what I know to be true - God loves you. That is the only truth I need to help me love myself as He loves me.

You'll always have a seat at my table, mess and all, Shonda Ramsey