Does My Story Matter?

It was just three simple words on a piece of paper.

Three simple words with a couple of exclamation points and a smiley face added for emphasis. And it changed the course of my entire day.

“You are beautiful.”

My husband knew I was feeling down. Following the previous night’s rejection email, I explained to him that this writing thing was a lot harder than I thought. Doubt and discouragement snuck in at a completely unexpected moment and before I knew it, I was throwing myself a pity party complete with chocolate ice cream and the latest selection on Netflix.

I knew rejection was an inevitable part of this calling. But “thick skin” simply isn’t part of who I am. I am clay, slowly being molded in the hands of my Creator, even though it is often a painful process.

The next morning, I awoke with the words from the email still fresh in my mind. But with three words from my husband, I was ready to move forward instead of sinking back into a myriad of self-doubt.

“You are beautiful.”

He saw me when I was having trouble seeing myself. He saw the masterpiece God created, formed to do good works which he planned for me long ago. (Ephesians 2:10) He saw this hurdle as a stepping stone rather than a deterrent.

Do you believe it?

Do you believe you are his masterpiece, exquisite in the eyes of your Maker? Do you believe he is able to do more through you than you can ask, hope or imagine?

Because whether you do makes all the difference in the world, to yourself and to those around you.

You are an integral part of God’s love letter to the world.

When we are convinced that the role we play in his story matters, we are able to make a life changing impact to those around us.

It’s all about perspective.

I remember Esther, and how her acts of courage saved an entire race. But even this brave woman of God faced fear and doubt. The simple act of going before the king without being summoned could have meant her death.

When she protests to her adoptive father, Mordecai, he delivers these words, which change the course of history:

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 NIV

For such a time as this.

By simply delivering these words to Esther, Mordecai pushed her to do what God had called her to do from the beginning. She moves past her uncertainty and does what she knows only she can do.

We are a part of God’s story for such a time as this. Our words have the power to push people to act, to move forward, and to be everything that God has called them to be.

In the same way, our words have the power to crush and fizzle any flame of desire someone has to make a difference.

We have a chance to be part of the glorious love letter God is writing to the world. He invites each of us into his design, as sure as the sun rises each day.

Will you reach out and tell someone she matters today?

Doing so could change the course of history.

 

*Heart carved on tree photo credit (text added)

*Linking up with Suzie Eller’s #LiveFreeThursday, Equipping Godly Women, and Susan B. Mead’s #DanceWithJesusLinkup.