Finding your Skin Deep Beauty

Growing up I was teased because I was always a little chunky. I was not really that big in grade school but people would tease me over my weight, the freckles on my legs, my curly hair. I can remember feeling so sad and so ugly to be honest. I did not understand why people would be so mean to me. I then use to talk about others too. Thinking that could lift me up. It did not!

I did however have some friends that I could relate to but sometimes they would smile in my face and talk about me with those same people that teased me. I did however start to tap into my gifts. I remember my parents telling me don't worry about those people. When I was 8 years old I joined our elementary school choir. I realized that I had the gift of singing. I remember going home and recording myself singing on cassette taps. I would write songs and listen to music and free style musical lyrics. I got so much joy and comfort through singing and writing.

I would be in my room alone, door shut, vibing on my own accord, without a worry in the world. In elementary school I would take my tapes to school and pass them along to friends. They would listen and be surprised at my voice. These girls had really strong voices and we'd then sing over the phone and I started seeing that I had some deep talents. There was things inside of me that was shaping a new identity in me. It was so precious and such a gift.

People would then still tease me through out schooling but I was always noticed for my voice, singing in talent shows and I ended up doing some really cool things musically in my life. I somehow forgot about what people would say about me. I had something more beautiful deep inside of my being. I had the gift of singing and writing and it was such a blessing.

Over the years I have also connected to my spiritual gifts and other things the Lord has placed upon me. I have still struggled over the years with loving my outward appearance. I however have been learning that my identity comes from the Lord. There is truth in his identity as how he sees me and feels me. I don't need to be worrying about what other people think about me. I am beautiful, and I have a lot of qualities that go beyond my outer. It's my soul that shows my beauty. How I treat others, how I respond to things and so much more is set in place. I say this to encourage you that you can not let people tell you who you are. You can't let people speak untruths over you. They are not inside your heart. God has created us all in a different and unique way.

Through my skin I see a pure giving heart. Loves to pray and minister to others. I see so many things that I am so grateful for. I have a unique confidence in who I am instead of what I look like. When I look in the mirror I see past my imperfections. I try hard to see what the Lord sees in me. The ability to wake up each day breathing and a new opportunity to start over, have a new day of mercy and grace that Jesus paid such a big price for. I am not perfect and I am glad I am able to work on things that may be troubling not for my flesh but for the glory and the obedience I need to have for the Lord's directions.

The Lord is so good and beauty is in the eye of beholder however we are beautiful because the Lord says so. Rest in the comfort in knowing the Lord will always see beautiful in you and you have the ability to stand out in a powerful way. You are BEAUTIFUL!

" You are accepted " Romans 15:7

" You are a child of God" John 1:12

" You are made in God's image" Genesis 1:27

Love,

Zaundra -