What do you see when you look in the mirror?
When I look, I usually see flaws. Bags under my eyes, wrinkles…and why don’t I have longer eyelashes? Very rarely do I like what I see.
But the problem isn’t the mirror. It’s my mindset when I face my own reflection. I have a choice. I can choose to see a Beautiful Child of God, or a tired woman who wants what she wasn’t born with. One attitude will result in feelings of joy and worthiness. The other will result in feelings of sadness and unworthiness.
The attitude I choose will be a powerful indicator of just how far I’ll go in fulfilling God’s will.
The sky’s the limit for the Children of God, and they know it. Accepting the Father’s will is exciting, because
he calls and he equips.
His children don’t ask
for all the answers. There is peace knowing that God will provide the way and the words.
Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.
Luke 12:12
Claiming my birthright as a Child of God, I am an overcomer and an achiever. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past. If I join with him, I can move mountains.
On the other hand, if I choose to regard myself as unattractive, unworthy and ‘less than’, I doom myself to a life of limits.
It’s a very costly attitude. If negative feelings barge in and take over my soul, I’ll have to live with tight restrictions over what I can do. The longer I think this way, the more real the limits become.
“I won’t. I can’t do anything right anyway.” My negative self image becomes a tyrant, telling me to stay where I am.
If I continue down this path, I’ll start to see myself as junk. But as we all know, God doesn’t make that.
Our Father wants his children to love themselves, and realize how beautiful and worthy they are. To him, we are pearls of great price, precious and loved beyond anything we can imagine. Sure, we have faults. But God loves us all right through them.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons…nothing in creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God…
Romans 8:38-39
We can admit that we are weak, because he is strong. We can accept that we can’t do anything alone, because we’ll never have to be. These truths set us free, and we can be joyful in the Lord who can do all things.
Let’s promise the Lord that we’ll look in that mirror with eyes of faith. Let’s always see ourselves as the Children of God.
In him, we can do all things.
Won
’t matter what mirror we use. We’ll always be beautiful.
And the sky will really be the limit.
I am sorry to say that I had to add ‘word verification’ back on the comments. I am getting a lot of spam. I hope that someday I can take it off again. I apologize for the inconvenience.
And the sky will really be the limit.
I am sorry to say that I had to add ‘word verification’ back on the comments. I am getting a lot of spam. I hope that someday I can take it off again. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Words I need to read and re-read.
I tend to be my worst critic.
Thank you, Ceil.
Love,
Jackie
Hi Jackie! Well, I need to read them often too. I don’t always see myself in the light of Christ either. But I know that God wants me to hit my highest potential, which is his will for me. I can’t do that if I think I’m not capable.
We’ll work on this together, ok? It’s easier when you have a partner
Have a great Monday Jackie!
Ceil
OH MY, Ceil! I think we have been on the same page lately! I have been telling myself that I need to get my spiritual ‘June Cleaver’ on! (Proverbs 31 woman, teehee) It isn’t about what WE see when looking through eyes of doubt and distress, it is all about what others see- do they see HIM shining through us? Do they think my wrinkles come from worry of from many smiles? Do they see eyes that are weak and tired or eyes that portray peace from deep within? Does the set of my jaw look like anger and lack of patience or a quiet resolve? Since turning 50 this year, I am so much more aware of all these things in the mirror. I just want to resemble my Father, not a worn out old lady! LOL! Sadly, I am still working on the June Cleaver thing, but I am TRYING! Excellent subject for much pondering, friend! Cyber hugs! Kelly
Hi Kelly! You have a great line here “I just want to resemble my Father, not a worn out old lady.” You are so right! We are the Father’s children, so we look like him to start with…it’s me who decides I don’t look so good. Love it! Thank you
And looking like a family member of the Lored for the world is so important. The peace that we have needs to be shared. You have given me a lot to think about today too Kelly. Thank you for your thoughtful comments!
Happy Monday
Ceil
When I was diagnosed with the “C” back in 2009, my thought process changed almost immediately! Not that I was a horrible or negative person in general, but perspectives change quickly when sickness shows up. Your priorities, attitudes line up differently. I had choice……and I knew Gods word is true, so I believed it and started living it! My faith grew strong! I am HEALED of the LORD! We are a reflection of Christ to those around us……see in me the beauty and love of God….see what you are missing, if you do not know him! This is a wonderful post, Ceil! So many christians are hurting, depressed and down. This is not the way God sees us…..WE are more than conquerers through Christ!! Blessings~~~Roxie
Hi Roxie! Wow. Nothing like a diagnosis to make things a lot clearer, right? I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. It must have been awful…but you came through with a stronger faith, and great priorities. You are an inspiration to me, my friend. I praise God with you for your healing!
You are so right, there are so many people who feel like they don’t count in this world. But we all do, as you found out though your health challenges. Everyone is precious, that’s the way God sees us, so it must be true. May the Lord make his presence known in louder ways to all of us, so that we can live our lives walking with him.
Very inspiring comments today Roxie. Thank you so much for being here. You have blessed me, and anyone who reads your words.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Ceil
It’s a daily battle to have the mind of Christ, isn’t it?!! If we would remember to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, it sure helps. Thanks for the reminder that “in Christ” we can do all things!
Hi Natalie! Boy, that’s the truth. Remembering who I am in Christ is a daily effort for me. I get so distracted! I am God’s beautiful child, and he loves me so much. As long as I remember that, anything seems possible…and it is as long as I stay with my Father.
Good to see you today
Ceil
You know, Ceil, just tonight I was bemoaning to my husband about a set of photos that I was in – and complaining about how old (and overweight) I feel. He chastised me – and he’s probably right. The more I concentrate on my *flaws* – the more the enemy can lie to me about my inabilities, my weaknesses, my shortcomings.
Looking in the mirror can be negative – but looking at my reflection in the eyes of my Savior – well, that is so uplifting! His Love makes me worthy, and with Him, there is NO limit!!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! I can really relate to that scenario. I look at photos of when my first grandchild was born (2 years ago) and think I look pretty good. Now that my third one is ready to be born, I cringe at me. I am not in good shape at all, physically. Bleah. That’s why I wrote about our images in this post. I needed it
That mirror doesn’t reflect who I am in God unless I do. I’m ready to start.
PS I think you’re beautiful. Love that smiling face under your cowboy hat!
Ceil
Thanks, Ceil – but that photo was 3 1/2 years ago, and about 20 pounds lighter. And, true confession, I did a little creative *editing* on the wrinkles and neck area. LOL!
But, I love what you said – the mirror doesn’t reflect who I am in God unless I do. Ooh, powerful words!
OK, putting on the Spirit today!
xo
One question…so with the photo editing….do you hire out? LOL!! If I am every coming out your way, we are going out to dinner and having a glass of wine! I love your honesty and humor Sharon.
Let’s put on that Spirit together
Hi Ceil,
when I look in the mirror I see a person growing older in this world who now has the promise of eternal life because of faith in Jesus Christ. How wonderful eh?
God bless you
Hi Brenda! I think you see very clearly my friend! And the beauty of that promise just shines in you, I’m sure. It is wonderful! And you are a blessing to all who see you.
May God bless you today and always Brenda. Thank you for your visit today
Ceil
Oh wow. Very powerful post! Thanks Ceil, I don’t know how you knew that I needed to hear this. I was visiting over at Sparkys blog and she had my picture up from when they visited 3 yrs ago..talk about being sad..anyways..thank you dear friend..Blessings
Hi Linda! Oh, I think we are all critical of ourselves. I am number one in that line, let me tell you. I think that’s why I was inspired to write this post. It’s time to stop seeing the flaws, and time to start seeing myself as God sees me. He always thinks we’re beautiful!
Blessings to you! (and I visited Sparky today. thank you! She has a lovely blog.)
Ceil
Feeling ‘less than’ is always a killer … of hope, of joy, of satisfaction. It’s just gotta be one of the enemy’s favorite tools to blanket us with discouragement, break us down, and make us feel like losers.
Flee, Satan, flee. We belong to Christ. And it’s in HIS beautiful image we’re created …
Hi Linda! (two in a row!) I bet you see a lot of this in your counseling. I understand the idea of evil using this attitude to weigh me down. It keeps me from doing what God wants me to do. Works out perfectly for Satan if I listen.
But I want to be done with that. I want to believe in how God sees me. Then, I can do anything he asks!
Great comment today my friend!
Ceil
This post really “gets to the heart of the matter”! How I see myself really is a choice I make every day. It also brought to my mind the scriptures about contentment, especially Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” ~Have a great day, Pamelyn.
Hi Pamelyn! I love the Scripture you added here. It’s perfect. Wherever I am, I can be joyful because The Lord knows I am here, where he needs me to be. It’s a daily choice for me too, believe it. Allowing myself to see me as God sees me is a wonderful thing, and I should join up with that! Why settle for what I ‘see’. What God thinks of me is so much better.
Good to see you today!
Ceil
Ceil, That mirror certainly is not our friend sometimes, is it? You give such great advice. We need to remember who we are in Christ, not who the mirror reflects, who the world tells us we are, or even a close friend or family member. We all have off days and say hurtful things to one another. But we all have the beauty within us – The Holy Spirit – helping us to become Christ like. If we all work together, forgive, and love we can not only have a better reflection – we see beyond the mirror, but reflect a better world. Maybe the one Jesus intended?! Have a great week.
Hi Kim! We sure do have ‘off days’ don’t we? It’s hard to conquer those feelings of being less than. But with God, we can do anything! And we are beautiful too.
I really like your comment about us all working together. We could all help each other to see our beauty. That was really lovely. Thank you
Happy Monday my friend!
Ceil
Golly, I think we all tend to be a little hard on ourselves at times and I am so very thankful that God sees us nothing but Beauty! I am so very happy that even through my flaws, I know there is one person that sees the perfection that he created me to be. Very good post Ceil!
When do you leave for your daughters? I hope you have a safe trip and have fun with that newest grand baby.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Amy
Hi Amy! You are so right, we ALL are hard on ourselves at one time or another. It would be so much better if we all just saw ourselves like God does.
I leave on Thursday, and I’ll be gone through the holidays. Thanks for asking! I’ll put up a post about it on Friday.
You have a wonderful Christmas too, my good friend! Blessings to you and all those boys
Ceil
Very good lesson! When “looking in a mirror” (physically or metaphorically) at ourselves, don’t look for flaws, we all know they’re there, instead work on reflecting the love of Jesus Christ to others. We are His mirrors in this world of sin and despair. We may be the only way The World hears His word of salvation. If we reflect His love to others that will help win them to Jesus Christ that they might be saved also. That’s our job as those who profess belief.
Thanks for the blog visit and the nice comment! God bless to you and yours this holiday season. ~:)
Hi Sparky! It’s so nice to meet a new blog-friend! I like your point that we should be mirrors of joy and God’s love in this world. How can we be that, while putting ourselves down? That was great! Thank you
It was fun to visit you. I hope to get back again sometime. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Ceil
This is so beautiful Ceil. I need to be reminded of these sentiments. Ever since I recommitted my life to Christ (over 2 years ago) I have had so many people pay me compliments about my appearance. The strange thing is, I see I’ve aged, I’ve gained weight, I don’t look the way I want to look. However, I realized a short while ago that perhaps they aren’t necessarily seeing me the way that I see me but they’re seeing the love of Christ in me! So needless to say, I daily need to turn any negatives over to Him and ask him to live in me and through me. I can’t look at myself with criticism… I have to ask to see myself (and others) the way he sees. We are all beautiful, precious, and beloved.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! Oh, thank you for your encouraging comments, Jennifer. And I loved your reflection on how full of light you are since recommitting your life to Christ. What a witness that is! I think I’m going to remember that for a long time.
Yes, let’s not be critical. Let’s love what God has given!
Blessings!
Ceil
This is a lovely post and I am happy to say…I am perfectly happy what God has given me.and I wish peace for those who have broken hearts,
Merry Christmas,
Marie Antoinette
Hi Marie Antionette! Thank you for your visit here! I did go to visit you as well. You are so talented! That wedding dress tree was so imaginative. And the Nutcracker things too. Wow.
I am so impressed by your self esteem and peace. You are an inspiration to me, that’s for sure. I also join with you in your prayer for those who have broken hearts, especially this time of year.
Merry Christmas to you too
Ceil
When we are unsure of ourselves, perhaps un-easy about our abilities and unable to “love ourselves” it is often because we fear the future. What it holds for us and for our loved ones. But God has seen the future and if we trust Him enough, He will guide us through what is ahead.
Thank you Ceil for another wonderful post.
God bless.
Hi Victor! That’s a good insight. Some of the reason why people don’t like themselves is probably because we’re afraid to do anything that’s wrong. I like your sentence about trust. I can always do much better in that department too.
The Lord loves for his children to step out of their comfort zones…and we can do that if we trust in his love.
Thank you for the kind comment too Victor. Loved yours today too
Ceil
How we see ourselves is sure a lot different than how Jesus sees us isn’t it? Thankful our beauty and worth is found in Him and He loves us (wrinkles and all!) perfectly.
Hi Mindy! I am thankful for that too. It helps me look beyond myself to the one who’s opinion matters the most.
Hope you had a good Monday! It’s snowing here again
Ceil
Such wonderful words that hit home with me! Thank you Ceil!
Hi Monica! I’m so glad you liked the post today.
I went to the library today and got “Persuasion”. I’ll let you know what I think!
Blessings to you my friend,
Ceil
Ceil, I’m guilty of the negative self-talk lots of times. And what happens because of it is I often “give up” on myself. But I think it’s important to do all you can to reinforce the beauty concept you’ve described here. If I do something with my hair, wear something I like, and tweeze my eyebrows, I’m more likely to BELIEVE positive self-talk. Sometimes I’m more concerned with the appearance of other things–the house, for instance, and not myself. I know you’re referring to a spiritual self-image, but I find I need a practical side–the side that makes me a steward of my own body–to reinforce a self-image. Even naturally beautiful women often don’t see themselves as such particularly as they age. We all need God’s perception, as you’ve said, to complete our identity. Am I making sense? Some people may disagree which I understand. Thanks for your post. Love, Diane
Hi Diane! You can see that you are not alone in the negative self-talk. Not only me, but several bloggers commented about that. I was talking about the physical too, because I think how we feel about ourselves affects our spiritual life.
I think you are right that we all need to be good stewards of our bodies. That does help the outlook. But in the end, I think realizing that God loves me no matter how ‘bad’ I think I look today is the real help. Which you also mentioned.
So yes, you are making sense! I understand your ideas, because I am one of those people who fall into the ‘ugh’ mentality some days. That’s why I could write about it, I know it so well.
Let’s believe in our beauty, as seen in God’s eyes, always. His is the only opinion that really matters anyway. We’ll work on it together, ok?
Have a blessed evening my beautiful friend,
Ceil
The first thing I thought of as I started reading your post is how my neck looks when I facetime my family! Goodness. What angle must the dang thing be turned to so I look decent? LOL! Over?!!!! Then I read on and I appreciate so what you have to say on the subject. It is all in our attitudes. Thanks, friend!
Oh Susan, thank you for such a giggle tonight reading your comments! When you find out how to sit in front of the screen, please tell me! My grandma had quite the ‘wattle’ so I am always on the lookout for that in the mirror. Darn genes…
It really helps to have a sense of humor. God has one, so why not us? I have to thank him for his great love for me, and every wonderful part of me that he lovingly created. That’s the best attitude of all. Then I’ll always be beautiful. Wattle or not! LOL!
Can we go out to dinner some time? I have the feeling we’d have a great time
Ceil
This is a subject most women deal with….I know I do at times. I am learning that inner beauty is the most important…without it there is not much outer beauty. God ‘s love and peace in the soul radiates out…so that people do not see us…but see Him.
Hi Dee! I agree with you. I know that I do, that’s why this post was in me to write. I am learning right along with you Dee. Haven’t you seen people who are just so happy that they ooze the spirit? That’s where I would like to be. Just like you said, that people would see him, not me.
I love your comment Dee. It really speaks to my heart. Thank you!
And thank you for reading and commenting on multiple posts. You are such a good blog-friend
Ceil
There is a very precious lady at my church who is my role model. You see, she loves Jesus with all of her heart and she desires to constantly grow closer to Him. She has an incredible beauty inside and it shines forth to her outward beauty. There are times she looks like she is literally glowing and completely radiant
When you first glance at her you might think she is a simple woman with simple looks, but the longer you look the more you see how beautiful she is because of her love for the Lord. I desire this, I desire to have my inward beauty be the true beauty. There are times I can get caught up in my appearance, but loving God and being a Proverbs 31 woman is way more beautiful – may others see Christ through me! Thank you for the reminder, my friend.
Blessings to you!
Hi Stephanie! This lady sounds like a beautiful reflection of God’s grace. What an inspiration! I know someone like that too…she is so filled with peace. If you ask her a question like “What really bothers you?” she is genuinely confused. Nothing bothers her! Oh yes, she has struggles, but her faith is her rock.
We are very blessed to have people like this in our lives, aren’t we? Thank you so much for sharing this woman with me, and anyone who reads this comment. You can see God’s grace at work every time you see her. And she has changed your life…what a gift!
Have a good night my friend,
Ceil
Like every other woman, I can SO relate to this post. I’m working on accepting myself just as I am, but it’s a struggle. Thanks for reminding me who I am in Christ. Bless you, sweet friend!
Hi Nan! I know, I think everyone feels this way at one time or another.
Thank you for your visit today. I hope you are having a good day!
Ceil
I too, see flaws when I look in the mirror. Funny how they are larger than the positive things. I appreciate your insight and encouragement. You always provide good things to think about. Thank you!
Hi Karen! Thank you for your kind comment Karen. It is true that we seem to magnify our flaws and overlook our blessings. So much better to see ourselves the way God does…as beautiful
Have a wonderful day!
Ceil
Hello Ceil
Wonderful words of encouragement! Thank you!
Awww, the flaws, the wrinkles, the under eye circles
It is hard to not focus on those things. I recall years ago reading a quote from Max Lucado, (loosely paraphrased) “God made you and He doesn’t make mistakes”. May we always treasure that the Lord made us, that we are His girls and that we are precious to Him. And that we may focus on the inner beauty that only comes from Him
Hi Sharon! I like that quote from Max Lucado, it reminds me of the saying that is like it. “God doesn’t make junk.”
We are so precious to him, and he loves us so much. He also thinks we are beautiful. And that inner beauty is definitely from him. So true!
Thank you for your visit here today. I appreciate it
Ceil
I needed to read this today. And by the number of comments here, I see I’m not alone. ha. I appreciate your encouragement to look beyond our outside shells. They’re not what counts anyway. We’re all beautiful in Christ!
Hi Lisa! You are so right. Our outside is secondary, it’s our souls and life in The Lord that counts!
Oh no, you are not alone, that’s for sure. I just saw a photo of me today, and wow! do I have the gray hair! But it’s ok. My inside is shiny too
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Ceil