Mirror Mirror

 Mirror Mirror on the wall, 

do I have worth at all? 

                        

Each day I see my reflection, often multiple times in the day. There's the mirror in the bathroom were I brush my teeth. The reflection on the pot I am washing. My shadow on the path. With each glimpse of my reflection, thoughts of evaluation run through my mind. Some thoughts are a statement and on a good day up-lifting, "Wow, got to change that shirt, the little guy sure slimed me!" "My eyes are brown." "My hairs growing out." "I need to take a shower!"  Other thoughts are destructive and un-favoring "You're not loosing weight fast enough, what a fatty." "Ugh look at that gray hair." "You didn't even have the patience to listen to your son before your snapped at him, wow what a lousy Mom" and the list of self hate pours out. As I've gotten older (and yes, grayer :), I am trying to stop this outpouring. When I hear the ugliness I am shocked! Do I really still believe some of the lies I am hearing or saying about myself? Is my identity and self-worth really tangled up in my pants size, in being a "perfect" parent or my hair style?  How is it I look at myself this way when I don't look at those around me like this? Could I really enjoy my children, friends or husband more if they wore a different pant size or had a different eyes? Do I constantly evaluate their self-worth based on appearance or ability? Of course not. There's not a thing they can do that would make me like them or love them more or less. I love them simply because they are my children, husband, friends and family. So if that's true and I am letting my self-worth take an unhealthy beating, where should my identity come from?

My Dad and Mom gave me this bookmark below a few years back. This year I have been asking God to teach my heart these truths. Some I have known with my head and not with my heart. Some God has already in-scripted on my spirit and are held dear.  

So now when I catch myself unrolling the laundry list to lash myself with, I remember how God sees me. I ask him to convince my heart to see myself through his eyes and praise him for the times I get a glimpse of the girl he love so much!  

I think it's a great foundation for identity. Each day I get to discover more about who I am. What more can I want then to be accepted, secure and significant?

"Mirror Mirror on that wall, I am accepted, secure and significant and don't need you at all!" 

...O.K. before I throw out the mirror, I probably should  use it to get the spinach out of my teeth :)  

	I am accepted...
John 1:12	I am God's child.
John 15:15	As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1	I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17	I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20	I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27	I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8	I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14	I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10	I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16	I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
	I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2	I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28	I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39	I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22	I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4	I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6	I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7	I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
	I am significant...
John 15:5	I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16	I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16	I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21	I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6	I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10	I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12	I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.