Beautiful Butterfly
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” I never asked my mirrors that question, not because I already knew the answer, but because, for years, I avoided looking at myself in the mirror. I hated the reflection I saw, because it always reminded me of that abused little girl, and I didn’t like her. Deep down inside, I blamed myself for what happened and I wanted no part in being “pretty.” The less attractive I was, the lower my chances of ever being taken advantage of in that way again. At least that was my warped way of thinking.
I concealed my beauty so much that I became oblivious to the fact that it even existed. My perception of the fearfully and wonderfully made woman I was created to be was twisted, tangled, and tainted. I could not see myself the way God saw me – formed in the beauty of His image - because the damaged little girl I was forced to become was etched in the forefront of my mind.
Even when I started Hope, I couldn’t see it as the great, beautiful, God-inspired goldmine that it is. My view of myself affected my perception of the vision God gave me. The low self-esteem I had towards myself are the same feelings I had towards Hope. Just as I was doing to myself, I was treating it as less than what God designed it to be.
I can’t quite pinpoint my exact aha moment, but one day my eyes were opened to the beautiful butterfly I’d been all along. For years and years, I’d been so stuck on and bound by the ugly caterpillar of pain that I was blind to the beauty of healing.
As God began to lift the weight of condemnation from my heart, eyes, and mind, I began to truly see Angelia – God’s beautiful workmanship. Consequently, I was awakened to the true beauty of Hope.
Pain has a way of clouding your view of who you truly are. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned along my journey through life, to Hope, it is this: We are all so perfectly beautiful, created in the image of God. And no matter what happened in your past, nothing can strip you of your God-given beauty. It’s intricately woven into your divine makeup.
Now when I ask, “mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” I hear the Lord whisper, “You are, Angie; you are.” And you know what? So are you!
Enjoying Hope,
Angie
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Valerie
September 24, 2013 at 7:04 am
TRUTH! God’s TRUTH
Valerie
September 24, 2013 at 7:11 am
TRUTH! God’s TRUTH sets us free. I relate to this post because I did this for a different but similar reason. If I didn’t look good,I didn’t have to worry about being asked out. God revealed to me this truth. I was letting fear keep me from a full life. Thank you for posting cause the enemy wants us to think we’re the only one. We are not alone. Your words are encouraging and very freeing. Again, thanks.