Dear Friend,
Did you know I’ve been praying for you?
I have. I’ve been praying for you a lot lately. Even if this is your first time reading this blog, I’ve been praying for you.
My heart is heavy with all of the judgement and dissension and comparison being flung around groups of women. On the web, in our communities, even in our churches. In a quest to be “right” and look good and convert others to our own way of thinking, women’s hearts are being trampled on.
Chances are you are or have been that trampled heart at some point or many points in your lifetime.
Is this really what we want to use our words for, ladies? To make others feel wrong or less than or judged in some way?
Words are so painful, especially when written down in black and white, aren’t they? When did we forget the command given to us in Ephesians 4:29?
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. ~Ephesians 4:29 {The Message}
Each word is a gift. I want to use my black-and-white words today to tell you this:
You are loved just the way you are.
You are dearly loved by our Heavenly Father and He wants to speak words of love into your life. That other stuff is NOT from Him.
That Facebook post that made you feel like a terrible mother? Not from Him. Let it go…
The blog post that had you feeling like a failure as a wife? Not from Him. Let it go…
The woman at church that gossips about clothes and shoes and makes you feel self-conscious? Her words are NOT from Him. Let them go…
Let all of it go and run to His Word – the only words that matter. The only love and approval that matters. And He has already offered them both to you.
God so loved YOU that He gave His one and only Son. {John 3:16}
While you were still a sinner, He demonstrated His great love for YOU by dying on the cross. {Romans 5:8}
He loves YOU so much He calls you His child. {1 John 3:1}
And nothing can separate YOU from His love. {Romans 8:37-39)
You are loved with the greatest love there ever has been and ever will be.
And as for those we make you feel inferior and unloved? Don’t allow any of that to take up residence in your heart and mind. Fill them with these thoughts instead…
I am doing the best I can.
I already am beautiful inside and out.
My worth is not determined by anyone else’s actions or non-actions.
And know that I am here to give you a pep talk whenever you need one.
With love and prayers,
Erin
*****
Today is the National Day of Encouragement – would you pass on some kind words to the people who matter in your life? Your words will go a long way! Each one is a gift!
I'm Erin, a wife, boy mom x 3, writer, and runner in Nebraska! I'm excited to share all my favorites relating to faith, family, fashion, and fitness in this space! Enjoy! 
Amen.
Oh my heart…there is such beauty in your words today sister. Thank you so much for sharing your heart today. Blessings.
Thankful He uses us to bless each other! Have a great week!
Beautiful! Thank you!
http://www.alliec5.blogspot.com
Thank YOU!
Thank you for this post today. It came right when I needed it! Thank you for reminding me I am liked and loved by the only one that matters!!
God is so good like that, isn’t He?!
Love this, love your heart … love you!!
Thank you sweet friend! Blessed by your words!
Thanks for posting this today. I really needed to hear it. We just started a new homeschooling campus yesterday and I am one of the tutors. I was so afraid of how the parents would judge me. And I came home discouraged. But you reminded me to look to God instead of being worried about how others may perceive me. Thank you!
Oh Angella, that kind of new is so hard! Bless you for looking so quickly and firmly at Him instead of them! Praying the group is a blessing to you!
Thank you! I needed a reminder today!
So glad it blessed you, Eileen!
LOVE you and your blog. You encouraged me to blog about encouragement today http://www.MeghanTucker.com/2012/09/national-day-of-encouragement/
Thanks so much Meghan! Loved sharing this uplifting day with you!
What to do when it is your parents who make you feel this way? When your chosen life with your husband of 18 years has led you to a deep love for the Lord. Which in turn has led you to have 5 children and to homeschool??? In my case when they just don’t “get it” I try to let it go. Though I am NOT good at it. I know I have the approval of my real father. Thanks Erin, just the reminder I need.
Oh Beth, that is a hard one. Family disapproval hurts, but I’m praying God gives you the strength, guidance, and joy to keep following His path for your own family! Thank you for sharing your heart!
On point. Love ya!
Thanks friend! Love you too!
Awesome post! I appreciate the love. It is nice to hear others speak on a positive note. God loves us for who we are and where we are right now. If you stay connected to Him that is not where you will always stay. Life is series of processes for His Glory.
Beautiful thoughts! Thank you Angela!