rely

Lately--I have been finding my joy in other things.
Specifically, other people--my friends, my KD sisters, anything or anyone but alone time in Christ.
I can't tell you when the last moment I spent on my own was--let alone the last time I had a quiet moment to reflect and rely on Jesus Christ.
And to be perfectly honest--I was content to allow the process continuation.

Love of myself was more important than my relationship with Christ--who IS love.
Wow, Hunter.
Sarcastic high five on that one.
For some reason, we humans find the need to validate our own lives and existence through others.
Through friendships, and relationships, family members, and activities.
But the truth of the matter is--we have each already been validated.
The fact alone that the God of the universe sent his only Son to die--a painfilled and grotesque death, substantiates us each individually.
Yet we continue to feel worthless.
Don't deny it.
If our fellow human beings felt worth--then young girls wouldn't feel the need to act in certain ways to gain the attentions of the opposite sex, young men wouldn't feel the constant need to impress one another, and instead of working everyday at jobs they loathe to simply "earn the buck"--then the people of the world would stand up, work toward their calling and say to Hell with labels and interests; economy and stocks.
Do not think that I mean to exclude myself from any such categorizations.
If anything--I write this as a confession of my own shortcomings.

If I were to truly strive to see myself and others through the eyes and heart of Christ--rather than those of man--then I would find no need to kill myself to make that grade, fix that person, entertain that group.
So this Sunday, I want you to know that you are a treasure.
Something is worth only what is paid for it--and you were paid for with precious, perfect blood.
Stop seeing yourself as someone lacking.
Quit looking in the mirror and pointing out your flaws.
Don't wish for different tomorrows but find hope in your todays.
And in the same way that your seek to view yourself as a unique creation in Christ,
seek to view others likewise.
You'd be amazed to see the pure transformation that can take place in your heart.

This probably all sounds like a cliche, motivational bunch of bull--
but the truth is--it's something people need to hear.
We don't talk like this anymore, but it's not because those thoughts and feelings are gone,
but because we have lost the courage to search them out.

Dear ___________,
You are special.
And you are special because God the father, in his infinite wisdom created you.
He created you for a specific purpose.
And he LOVES you.

Not the love that you toss around in temporary relationships, lasting friendships, or even the earthly love of your family.
Let that love sink in.
Let it wash over you.
Rely on that love--
and most importantly, share it.

that is all.