**(My family and I are getting ready for our first ever family vacation next week! In order to have time to pack, rest up, plan and enjoy this time, I’m pulling some of the most popular posts from my blog and re-posting. Hope you don’t mind.)**
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. – Psalm 59:16
Today I saw a quote that read: Be who you are, not who the world wants you to be.
photo credit: kevin dooley via photopin cc
This got me to thinking. I am a number of things.
I am unwell.
The world wants me to be healthy. It calls me to be busy and have a never-ending supply of energy. The world craves tanned, ruddy complexions and an over-full calendar. But I am chronically ill and disabled, with a damaged immune system, to boot.
I am unthin.
The world wants me to be skinny. It calls me to starve and critique my body. The world craves toned and flat and hard. But I am unable to exercise and must regularly take medications that pack on the pounds.
I am budget conscious.
The world wants me to be wealthy. It calls me to sacrifice my family and health in the pursuit of more possessions. The world craves luxurious choices and a maxed credit line. But I am unable to work and usually scrimping. I have what I need, and just a smidge more.
Because of all of the above things that “I am”, the world expects that I will be discouraged.
But the world would be wrong!
Because of Christ, my spiritual health is intact… in fact, it’s sturdy and thriving. Because of the love of God, my soul is well-fed and perfectly shaped by a diet of scripture and prayer. And because of the Holy Spirit my coffers hold the pearl of great price. Where my treasure is, there my heart will be also.
And so I will be what I truly am, not what the world wants me to be.
I am mighty. I am saved. I am hopeful. I am blessed.
Just as I am.
Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me to look at my situation in a clearer way. Please keep me focused on a more eternal perspective, and help me always to be who I am in You, not who the world wants me to be.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
You go, girl!
Love you just the way you are!
Thank you for this amazingly timely reminder of who we REALLY are – because of Christ!
Hallelujah and PTL – you are exactly who He has created you to be in Him; yup-mighty, saved, hopeful blessed!
Shelly, I thank God for you. . .He speaks volumes to my heart through your words!
John 8:31
Hi, Jennifer! I am SO glad God was able to speak a timely message to you through the words He gave me! YOU are mighty, saved, hopeful and blessed, too! 🙂 I thank God for you, too. Every day.
Thank you for the scripture you put on your comment, it’s a great one and an encouragement to me.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” – YES!
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Love this song, Shelly.
And yes we must realize that God made us and He loves us just as we are. My book, Tadeo Turtle, is exactly about this. Tadeo learns to accept himself how God has made him. It is a lesson everyone – not just children – must learn to know.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis+Cox recently posted…A Great Review for Tadeo Turtle
You’re right, Janis, the lesson is needed for all ages. In fact, sometimes I think us grown-ups need it more than kids do, and on a more regular basis. Thanks for creating such a delightful character as Tadeo and then bringing him to life for the rest of us! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly,
Have you purchased Tadeo Turtle? Have you read the book? Would you consider doing a review for me.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis+Cox recently posted…A Great Review for Tadeo Turtle
I have, and I would love to! I’ll email you 🙂 <3
Great post, Shelly! I so agree…we need to believe who we are in Christ rather than who or what the world wants us to be! I love that you mentioned that you are “mighty”! Just today I posted about being mighty! 🙂 Sounds like God wants us to be courageous and mighty warriors for Him!
Blessings, Joan
Joan recently posted…Mighty Phone Warrior
Sure sounds that way, Joan! Love when that happens! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I am thankful every day for the unlimited love I have found in the Lord.
Amen, Brandy! Amen! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Oh to have the confidence that I’m okay and God loves me just the way that I am! You sound so content.
Shecki recently posted…Getting Ready for Chinese New Year
Oh, Shecki, that old devil attacks my contentment at every turn! I cling like saran wrap to the promises of God… that He does indeed love and invite me, just the way that I am! He loves you that same way, Sister! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I can feel the same pressure to be thinner, healthier and wealthier. I try to swim cross current and with God’s help I manage to do it. But of course, it affects because these are the people around us saying these things about us.
You are among sisters here, Joanna! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I’m so glad the Lord loves me and accepts me just as I am! It can be so hard for me to love myself though. I’m learning to do that, especially not to compare myself with others.
Kym recently posted…Scripture and a Snapshot – January 12, 2014
It’s so hard, isn’t it Kym! I’ll pray for you, if you’ll pray for me! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly, I love this. Your strength and faith are amazing!
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Mel+Caldicott recently posted…Being a Christian Seems Too Easy Nowadays!
Our God is amazing! He keeps me singing! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
What a wonderful, encouraging post for those of us who are chronically ill! Thank you! I will never live up to the world’s standards and I don’t want to! The Lord has me right where I am supposed to be, chronic pain and all, for his good purpose! Visiting from Spiritual Sundays!
AnnMarie, it is wonderful to meet you! I’m so glad to know you found encouragement here! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Thank you, Shelly, for such a sweet reminder that He loves as just as we are — who we are — in our hearts that beat wildly for Him. God bless you and keep you as your journey the high road. Blessings…
Sheila, thank you for encouraging me with your comment! I’m so glad He was able to remind you through my ramblings! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
AMEN! A great post. Love the blurb on unwealthy; feeling the same sentiment here. Bless you hon! Thanks for linking up with the Christian Fellowship hop!
DaLynn+McCoy recently posted…Share Your Childhood: Weird Songs
Sending you some extra heart hugs today, DaLynn! Thanks for encouraging me! <3 Shelly
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aha- I have followed links to this page and am listening to the A Capella hymm- I love it.
I wonder why the print is so microscopic here- I’ve never seen such minute print- so forgive typoo
‘
I hear what you say about what the world wants- and our reality- in each case my reality mirrors yours- except that I am in reasonable health.
Someone posted yesterday about unseen bruises on the soul- that spoke to me- I have a multitude of those and am getting lots of help to overcome them.
We all battle in certain areas- and it’s great top be able to support each other- through blogs, and commnets, through emails and prayer,
God Bless you Shelly. xx
God Bless You, too, Mary! Thank you for encouraging me with your comment! I pray that your bruises will heal, and am so glad you are getting help. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I’m glad you reshared this, Shelly. You are beautiful inside and out! Love you so much. Btw, that is one of my favorite hymns. I would previously play on the piano all the time. Makes me want to play again. xoxo
Beth+(@SimplyBeth3) recently posted…Three Word Wednesday: Love at Hello
Oh, I wish I could hear you play this, Beth!! I would sing along, we would cry, it would be awesome. 🙂 Maybe in Heaven someday, yes? Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I used to be unnaturally thin from over-exercise and materially wealthy because my husband was rich and guess what? – I was suicidal! Now I’m naturally thin but soft and materially poor but enjoying the Lord’s abundance. Happy! Many blessings for your first family vacation. Can’t wait to read about it when you return!
Laura+Connell recently posted…Quitting Thursday Linkup: Fruit of the Spirit
I can’t wait to share the pics and stories with you when I get back, Laura! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
This was spot on and such the reminder of what God has already been speaking to me today! He made me who I am and I am embracing it, popular by the world standards or not. Have a wonderful vacation and make precious memories with your family!
Sarah+Ann recently posted…Lessons from Autism: Unconditional Love
Thank you, Sarah! We certainly will try! Praying my illness doesn’t ruin anything for anyone. It’s very exciting! 🙂 Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Preach it, girl! Thanks for sharing this over at #EverydayJesus and have a great time on your family vacay! Love to you!
Sharita recently posted…Loved Before Creation (#EverydayJesus)
Sharita, you are rockin’ that hairdo!!! LOVE IT!! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I love this! The photo captured my attention first. I saw one hanging on the side of the road on our recent vacation and didn’t get my husband to stop. I could kick myself. lol – it’s called a Turk’s Cap Lily.
I loved your words. The world most definitely places us in boxes they believe we should fit into, when actually there are tons of different sized boxes we could choose. Thanks Shelly.
Thanks for blessing me, always, Salina! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Hi there! I’m stopping over from Barbie’s Weekend Brew and I’m so glad I did. If I may, I’d like to add to the list of things that you are – strong, faith-filled, encouraging and inspiring. Keep the faith!
Debbie G. recently posted…Keeping the Faith
Awww, thank you, Debbie! You made my day! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
AMEN! It’s so easy to get caught up in thinking we have to put ourselves on display, falling into the trap of being like the world. You are beautiful, courageous and encouraging, and I love you just the way you are too!
Barbie recently posted…The Weekend Brew: The Path of Life
Barbie, you are a treasure. I am so happy you are my friend. Love you <3 Heart Hugs
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