This past Monday, I came home to catch up and visit with my family for a few days before my hectic school schedule starts back up. As I came back, I was looking through some old books of mine and I found the book
Captivating. I realized that I never finished it, but decided to look through it and start where I left off. Then it struck me, I feel like I was meant to start this book once again because it was something I needed to hear.
A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a few friends about relationships and how society puts so much focus on finding "the one." Yes, I admit that I struggle with this and it is no easy subject for me. But, we were talking about where we find our worth and how much emphasis we place on these romantic relationships, because let's face it everybody wants to feel needed and loved. Many people question their value if they feel like no one wants to pursue them and let relationships define who they are as a person. But, as I was going through this book, it reminded me of where I should find my worth and how valuable I am as a young woman.
So, I thought I would share a few key points that really stuck with me and I hope that when we face days that we question our value, we will be reminded of these things.
1. Many girls, including myself, all have to face what the word "beauty" really means. We often question ourselves with "am I pretty enough?" "am I skinny enough?" "does my hair look good?" But, when we realize that there is much much more to beauty than this, we see the real us. We can also take heart in the fact that the Creator of the universe is so deeply in love with us and finds each and everyone of us simply beautiful . In Psalm 45, it says,
the King is enthralled by your beauty.
2. A major thing that really stuck with me was the fact of being the person God created you to be. In this world, we struggle so much on the thought of being who others will be pleased with and living up to others standards. In
Captivating, Eldredge states, "We act in self-protective ways and refuse to offer what we truly see, believe, and know. We will not risk rejection or looking like a fool." I will be the first to admit that I have a unique personality at times (hence the rapping video) and I know it is part of what makes me who I am, but I often wonder what others may think.
I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
3. Many times in life we search so long to find things that can satisfy us, even in relationships. But, I have personally learned that these worldly things do not complete the satisfacation my heart desires. This book discusses when we turn to these things, we are giving our heart to them instead of to the heart of God. How much I needed to be reminded of that!
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17
So, I hope that we can all be reminded of these things, including guys. We are each wonderfully made and each have a unique story to tell. I know it is easier said than done, but my prayer is that when we are striving so hard to find "the one", we remember to seek "The One" who created us and views us as His beautiful children. For He has a wonderful plan set out for you!