Standing before the mirror, I met the gaze of my reflection, knowing all too well the silent dialogue that would unfold. In moments like these, the truth stares back, unyielding and relentless. I’ve never been one to see any redeeming qualities, beauty, intelligence, grace, or charm in the reflection that is myself – rendering it a haunting reminder of my perceived flaws – a relentless captor, binding me to its endless judgements.
A scene that is familiar to many, where self-doubt and insecurity cast long shadows upon the fragile contours of our identities.
It's as though my reflection becomes the curator of my identity, etching labels of my wrongdoings, preventing the mending of my brokenness. Gradually, it devours fragments of my essence, leaving behind a hollow shell yearning for fulfillment. Its hunger transcends mere reflection; it covets to consume, to become – me.
The term “reflection” holds profound significance – it embodies the act of throwing back, of mirroring. Yet, it lacks the capacity to absorb the essence of who you are, to encapsulate your true self.
With each glance, memories of past mistakes, flaws, and inner “demons”, flood the sacred places of my mind, overshadowing any semblance of self-acceptance.
The diminishing of our self-worth has been around since the existence of time. The stories of those that struggled harshly – but ultimately became victorious in their pursuit of their reflection’s redemption; it’s those stories that should encourage us to confront what gazes back and claim what’s always been ours – our worth.
Throughout the Bible, we encounter stories of individuals who grappled with similar struggles of self-worth and identity. Consider the story of Moses, chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage.
Exodus 3:10-12 (ESV)
“Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Moses, a man hand chosen by God himself to lead His people out of bondage was plagued by his feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. Despite his protests and doubts, God reassured Moses of his divine purpose and worth, empowering him to fulfill his calling with courage and great conviction.
This narrative reminds us that our worth is not contingent upon our perceived shortcomings but rooted in the unconditional love and purpose bestowed upon us by our Creator.
In the teachings of revered religious leaders, we find echoes of the timeless truth of our worth in Christ Jesus. Saint Teresa once remarked, “Remember that you have only one soul; that you have only one life, which is short and has to be lived by you alone; and there is only one glory which is eternal. If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing.” These words resonate with the essence of our intrinsic worth, urging us to embrace the uniqueness of our individual journeys with faith and courage.
For those who find themselves tethered to a reflection of self-doubt and insecurity, let us unite in shared experiences, in the journey of reclaiming what is rightfully ours.
Psalm 139:11-14 (ESV)
“If I say. “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is a light with you. For you formed me and knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Forever and always,
Catherine Denise
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