I have often forgotten who I am: a magnificent masterpiece created by God.
When I forget that, I believe that I am my unloving behaviors, words and thoughts. When I believe that lie, I believe I am worthless, unloveable and despicable.
More than once in our 41 years of marriage when I have believed those lies, I’ve asked my husband: “Phil, why do you stay married to me? I’m worthless. I’m a horrible person. I don’t deserve you.” I’d then proceed to bring up my unloving actions and words to validate the negative self-belief that I’d embrace.
His response: “I love you. Why wouldn’t I stay married to you?”
I thank my God – who IS Love – for Phil and others he has placed in my life who are able to perceive me as separate from any unloving behaviors, attitudes and words that I may exhibit. They help me to remember who I truly am – a magnificent masterpiece. When I remember who I truly am change happens – unloving words and behaviors begin to disappear. I’m able to continue the journey of freely living out my unique, God-given design spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally and sexually.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
