See yourself in Christ's light!

I have to grin when I think about my grandma snapping photos on the side of the road with her smartphone, saying, "Step this way, out of the sun. Turn around, or it will cast shadows! Let the sun shine on you, just like that!" She wanted the light to be just right!

What is the "right light"? Just recently, I received an email asking if I would join a T.V. project. The email said, "We want you first and foremost because we know you're different than most people think you are. You could really show everyone what an amazing person you are by doing this!"

Wait, what? Ouch! Sadly, this sort of treatment isn't unusual. People may put others down "nicely," presenting them in a bad light. Comments like these can plant seeds that may weaken others' sense of value and cause them to sell themselves short.

I'm sure you've also experienced people talking to (or about) you in a similar way. Now, I could have gotten angry about what people "out there" seemed to have thought of me. But at that moment, by God's grace, I chose to see myself in the right light—God's light!

"'...For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)

Whether it's in show business, church, or parent-teacher conferences at school, never let what others think sway you from God's path for you. He has a very special plan for your life precisely because you are who you are! :-)

If you ever get hit by difficult, belittling words, I encourage you to see yourself in the right light! "'The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.'" (Numbers 6:24-26, NKJV, bold added)

I encourage you to see yourself today in the light of His countenance!

You are a miracle!

Dèborah