The Journey

So many of us are our own worst critics. Often times, we try to change things about ourselves that we believe to be unlovely. We set the bar so high that is impossible to reach much less surpass. Hollywood sets the standard, our family sets the standard, the people we attend church with set the standard. God Almighty IS the standard and He loves us the way we are. He not only wants us to be who and what He created us to be, but He will help us get there! Our Creator is ever molding and shaping us. That is, if we allow Him to. As I look back over the past several years, I see me...the chameleon. While it can be good to be able to adapt to your environment, it is not good to lose who you are in the process. When my husband and I separated, I came to terms with a very harsh reality. I had no idea who I was. What music do I like? What color schemes and what style of decorating do I like? How do I like my hair or what is my style of dress? For almost 10 years, I had someone

Mark 3:31-34 (NLT) Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you." Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he looked at those around him and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” I have always had such difficulty with this scripture. As a mother and a sister, I cannot imagine going to hear my child or my sibling preach The Good News only to be dismissed like Jesus seemingly did to His family. I can almost hear myself saying, "and just who does he think he is?" However, I believe I now have a better understanding of what this means. Jesus was not so dismissive out of disrespect nor was He saying He did not love them. Only, God the Father and His will would take pr