Mirror Mirror

Last week I had the privilege of hanging out with my daughter and her boyfriend, while we were browsing in some stores he had noticed a mirror and had mentioned how it was of good quality because there were no distortions.  Upon further research I had learned that distortions can be caused by the uneven application of metal coating behind the glass. Basically any reflection is caused by light hitting the surface and bouncing off of it, glass itself only reflects back about 4% of the light that strikes it. Clearly it's the quality of the material used behind the glass and the workmanship that is going to determine the quality of the image being reflected. So how does this apply to identity? Many times we can look at ourselves in the mirror but our image is distorted. We were created by a loving God but we were also formed by the different people and events in our lives. Out true image may be marred by the heartaches and traumas we faced in life, at least on the surface. What if we search beneath the surface? If we were made in God's image how does He see us? If we were made in the likeness of Christ how should we see ourselves? This would bring us to the third element the light. Jesus is the light of the world so it is through Him and the light of His word that we must see ourselves. Our past or present circumstances or other people's words are not what defines or dictates our true identity.
Before the 1940's Mercury was used to coat the back of the glass but It was later found to be toxic and these toxins were sealed in. Just like the mercury negative words and thoughts will poison your true identity and can be trapped inside of you and  stop you from seeing yourself as you really are. The unique you, created by an almighty God. We were created with purpose and destiny in mind and in order to move forward into our calling we must see ourselves as God does. We must read His Word, reflect on it and believe what He says. 2 Corinthians 3:18 | AMP "And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit." 

#Identity #Godslove #Unique #Createdforpurpose

Identifying Identity

Growing up one of the first stories to impact my life was the story of The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen I had never felt like I belonged or fit in from a very early age. I new I was different and could just not conform to those around me to be accepted.  At the cost of being true to myself, I endured much ridicule and rejection.  For many years I believed I was just not good enough, fast enough, pretty enough always falling short of everyone's expectations. Fear of failure and more rejection was a tool being used against me to chisel away any confidence or sense of self worth. This would be the door opener to abusive relationships that caused me to spiral into a victim mentality and hopelessness of ever being truly happy and fulfilled in life. The words of others were now being echoed in my own negative self talk paralyzingly any effort in moving forward as I watched another day, week, month, year go by with no apparent change in my life or circumstances. Masked and with emotions buried, life went on, bills needed to be paid, responsibilities and obligations met. Then it happened!  After ignoring all the symptoms everything shut down and I was forced to address the problem. Sometimes in order to get the right perspective we have to adjust our position or seat, in order to see clearly. My identity is not in what I do or not do; but rather it is the core of who I truly am, the person I have always wanted others to see the real me! We are all unique and yet share the same desires, to be loved and accepted. In order for this to happen I first needed to discover who God says I am. I would have to replace the lies with the truth of Gods word. I would have to believe that God made me and loves me. I had to see myself how God sees me. I needed to come to the realization that I was never an ugly duckling and that I am a swan.
#Identity #Swanreflections #Unique #Createdforpurpose