Beautiful

Today, I feel beautiful. 

Maybe it was the way that, despite the fact I layered two shirts today, they both fit better. 

Or maybe it was the way my jeans slipped on just a little easier than before. 

Or that fedora. With the bright, red rose clipped into the hatband.

Or the gray and black scarf.

Nope. 

It was none of that. 

Clothes don't make a person beautiful. They only work to enhance what was already there. 

When I came downstairs, my mom said, "Well you look nice."

Without missing a beat, I smiled and said, "I know I do."

That was the first time in... a long time I've been able to respond in that way. 

And guess what world?!

I.

Am. 

BEAUTIFUL.

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

God knew long before I was even conceived that I would sin. 

He knew I would disappoint and fail Him over and over and over again. 

 But despite all that, He made me. 

And not only did He make me, He made me in His image. 

 He created me just as I am. 

And God doesn't make ugly people. 

And guess what? 

He loves me. 

Despite everything I've done and ever will do.

And guess what else? 

He loves you too. 

Despite everything you've done and ever will do. 

And guess what else? 

You. 

Are. 

BEAUTIFUL.

Please believe it.

It's true.