When I first started actively practicing Christianity (or was saved), my weekly worship experience at service would include shedding tears secondary to the unconditional love I felt in my Father’s eyes. I knew the Gospel as a Catholic, but a great chasm existed between knowing the truth of the Gospel and incorporating that truth into the fabric of my life. My voice sang in the darkened auditorium overwhelmed because of all Christ had done for me, and I would weep.
A friendship and a relationship ended during this time, which were difficult and heart wrenching. I shared my struggles with my small group, and my small group leader suggested I pray for God to show me how He sees me. So, I took her advice. For one week I prayed for God to reveal the way He viewed me.
In a Moment
During the “greeting” portion of service that following weekend, I found myself in a virtually empty row with a full row behind me. I shook hand after hand introducing myself, making my way down the row. Eventually, I started complementing people’s outfits just to be able to say something different. “You look nice today.” “I love your necklace.”
The lights dimmed, and worship continued. I attempted to still my shoulders when the tears came, so those around me would not be able to tell I was crying. After service, I walked toward the aisle, and I found myself nearing one of the women I had spoken to during the greeting. She held out her hand towards me with the fist closed, fingers aiming at the ground. She wore a coordinating bracelet to the necklace I had complemented her on earlier, and I thought she was showing me. “Oh, your bracelet is pretty, too.”
I heard a tinkling rattle in my tote bag type pocketbook as she opened her fist and dropped something into my bag. Confused I looked at her and realized she was no longer wearing the necklace. Then she said, “All service God was telling me to give my necklace to you.”
Stunned, I told her that I couldn’t take it. “It’s yours,” she said and walked away. I retreated back into my row and sat down. I pulled out the necklace and looked at it. It was an exquisite, expensive gold chain with a beautiful, sparkling Tanzanite pendant. I softly wept again.
In My Father’s Eyes
I had prayed all week for God to show me how He sees me, and He gave me the necklace as my answer declaring, “You’re my daughter, my princess, and I’m giving you a beautiful gift just as a Father would his child.” Daughter. Daughter of the King. That’s how He sees me. Henceforth, I’m a daughter in my Father’s eyes.
It is so easy to see as the world sees. In effect, our pain and failures appear huge and insurmountable. But God’s vision and love isn’t limited like ours. God is loving, massive, powerful, everything we need Him to be. AND…he’s crafty enough to deliver a necklace to a daughter who is finding her way.
Love,
K.
Author of Ten Iron Principles, Contributor in The Power to Make a Difference
