The McDonalds

A few days ago I ran across this blog post: 

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3033392

I read it and then re-read it several more times. A lot of people tell me that Paisley looks just like me. My mom & grandma swear that it's almost scary how much she looks like me at that age, and this post resonated with me in so many ways. 

I spend my day judging myself. I look in the mirror and compare myself to -most of the time- MYSELF. Standards and boundaries that I have PLACED UPON MYSELF. I look on Facebook or Instagram and see other moms who look (way cuter than I can ever look) put together. Their kids somehow aren't disassembling cabinets while they get ready and they actually take showers in the mornings. And this creates more false ideals and ultimately such insecurity for me.  

 I am all He says I am. 

As I delve into the uncharted territory of raising a girl, who apparently has the exact same features as me, I am struggling with how to portray Christ to her. She loves my makeup and lip gloss and shoes (at just 15 months old!) - how do I let her express those parts of herself and at the same time teach her that her value and worth is so much deeper than the color on her lips? As she observes me getting ready daily, putting on makeup and fixing my hair, am I teaching her that she is worthy and lovable and valuable? As she grows up and forms her own opinions of herself, 

are my actions speaking louder than my words about the way that Christ loves us? That He created me? That my hair is exactly the way He formed it to be? That this body has miraculously nourished and grown two precious little people and will therefore never be the same? That I am humbled by the stretch marks lining my abdomen because GOD PERFORMED A MIRACLE THERE? That those dark circles under my eyes mean I've been up many nights cuddling, rocking, praying over these two sweet lives He has entrusted me with?  

I am all He says I am. 

I went to see Kari Jobe perform this weekend in Little Rock. She came out and (along with her fiancé) sang this song. The words completely flooded my soul, and as I've pondered these things this weekend God has continued to put these words in my heart: 

He whispers in my ear tells me that I'm fearless
He shares a melody tells me to share it
And makes me whole it reminds my soul
 
I am all He says I am
I am all He says I am
I am all He says I am
And He says I am His own

Copyright © 2011 Gateway Create Publishing & Suitcaseland Music

Ultimately, at the core of my being, I AM HIS. No more, no less. Just redeemed, loved, and cherished by Him just the way He created me.