The Price of a Princess

Last night I, along with about 250 of my closest girlfriends at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, had the opportunity to be blessed by the message and ministry of Jennifer Beckham.

Like most little girls, Jennifer had the dream of being a Princess.  Unlike most little girls, her dream came true.  She lived the fairytale life of a Disney Princess.  While beautiful in many ways, also held unanticipated realities.  What is the price to maintain the illusion of perfection?  Do you dare share any of your scars?  Will you ever be enough?  In a stadium, in Tokyo, she discovered the truth.

Jennifer's message is a powerful reminder that so much of life is a matter of perspective.  Our world is full of people, places, and things who want to tell us that we're not good enough, that we're not pretty enough, that we're just not enough.

Throughout our time together, she reiterated that we have to be careful because often the lies which we are told are laced with just enough truth that they are difficult to see for what they are.  We were created in the image of God and are HIS princesses.  Any "flaws" that we have are intended and put as a part of who we are for a purpose.

Who is speaking to you and changing your perspective away from that of God?  Who or what is the voice that is telling you that you are anything less than a precious child of God?  Who told you that you're not all that God intended for you to be?

Because you are.  You are His Princess.  You are His Child.  You are Enough.  You are all that God intended you to be.  No matter who is speaking lies into your life, remember that you are His.  And that is enough.

Loving and Serving the Least

January is a time when many people pause, take stock of their lives, and make adjustments to get them heading down the right (or a different) track. February is close on January’s heels. For my family, February mean’s birthdays. My sister’s and I flip years on the 1st, 4th, and 5th (yes, I’ll be joining those in the “Fabulous 40” club this year). Growing up, the first week of February was always a time of family, fun, and celebration. Many look forward to the 14th – to Valentine’s Day and the celebration of love (personally, I’ve always wondered why people have to wait until a designated day to let those they love know it). In China, February brings their New Year - a time when people leave the far corners of the country to return to their families.

In June (9-21), I will be leading a team for chinaconnect to a special place. Shepherd’s Field Village (SFV) in China welcomes those orphans whose special needs (physical and developmental) can’t be handled by other orphanages. They provide the love and care to help these kids live and grow to the best of their abilities; SFV surrounds them with the brothers and sisters that they never had and provides them with a family they never knew. They celebrate when any of their children leave from SFV to find “forever families” in the US and around the world.

I have found that often those whom the world deems to be worth the least have the most to give (and to teach). I was reminded by several young orphans in Ukraine that in the midst of darkness joy can be found in simple things – like an orange balloon.

My church is spending the first 10 weeks of 2011 studying Matthew and the Great Commission. This past Sunday, Pastor Eric (click here to listen) spent time talking about Matthew 25, “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’ And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’” (v 37-40). He continues in vs. 45 “Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’”

We know that Christ had a special place in His heart for children. Will you join me as I go to help care for some of the least? For more info (or to say YES!), please email me.