(Each Saturday, a faith leader offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
In God’s eyes, YES! We are all “good enough,” but do we feel it?
We live in a day and age where everyone is celebrated for their differences on the one hand, but still encouraged to be the same on the other. Our pendulum swing of embracing everyone has almost gone so far now that we cannot speak of, or be open enough, to all the particular differences the human race now lives into.
We hesitate before referring to someone of a different skin color because we aren’t sure what the politically correct term for someone of that race is today. We meet folks who have struggled in bodies they don’t understand and who have now changed their genders physically to reflect their hearts and minds and we want to welcome them whole-heartedly as fellow travelers among us, but we have heard so much about the need to use proper pronouns that we hesitate to reach out, for fear we might inadvertently offend.
We have become so partisan as a nation that we choose our words carefully even amongst family, as we don’t want to start a political debate. And now, we pray for the Ukrainians who are suffering unjustly — and while most of us agree on that, we must be cautious not to lump all Russians together as the “bad guys” because many do not support what their leader is doing.
Unfortunately, all of these “isms” often lead us into judgment — of others and of ourselves. So how do we learn to see ourselves as the wonderful creations of God? Because when we are truly able to do that, then we are also one step closer to viewing others the same way.
Some Sundays when we “pass the peace,” we say, “Namaste,” extending the sacred blessing of “May the God in me greet the God in you.” Think about this blessing for a moment. It might be easy for many of you to offer this blessing, but how many of you could truly receive this blessing when offered by another? How many of you feel seen as a creation and a blessing from God?
This very moment, I want you to drink in deeply the message that YOU are good enough. That YOU are a blessing just as you are. That YOU are a divine child of God who is worthy of love and acceptance.
Learning how to appreciate ourselves just as God made us isn’t easy, but there are things we can do to get there. We can appreciate the fact that God has created us, each with our own gifts and talents. We can recall special moments when we experienced God … when God walked with us, when God sat by our side in the presence of another, when God wrapped loving arms around us through the hug of a friend. Clearly, we mattered to God because we felt God’s love and God’s touch.
We can also think back to the times when God used us to bless a situation as only we could because of how God made us. Every person, every personality isn’t for every situation.
How do YOU see yourself? Psalm 139 assures each of us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God made you and me just the way we are. So each morning when you get out of bed, remind yourself, “I am valuable! I am hand-created by God.” Every one of us … without a face lift, without weight loss, without doing more “good works” in the world, is enough. YOU are good enough!
Athol Congregational Church, UCC is a local community of faith that is “small enough to know you, large enough to serve.” We are currently celebrating “in-person” worship as well as offering FB livestream services under “Athol Congregational.” Our pastor and our members are available for conversation on our Athol Congregational Church Facebook page, and through private messages, and we would love to connect. We offer long-distance Reiki through our certified practitioners, are willing to pray with you whatever your need, and want to know you, whoever you are.
1225 Chestnut St., Athol, 978-249-6202