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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write an INSPIRATIONAL or DEVOTIONAL piece (04/26/07)
“You have too much book smarts and no common sense. You’ll never amount to anything.”

“You’re stupid.”

“You’re lazy.”

“You deserve the abuse of your childhood.”

I had based my self-image on words others have said. I knew that Christ loved me enough to die for me, yet I had never internalized this thought. He did the same for everyone else. That is just who He is. Yet Christ loved me enough to show me how valuable I, personally, am to Him.

I closed my eyes in worship and the song faded away. My Savior stood before me wearing a crown of thorns, blood dripping down his brow. With a look of unmistakable love in His eyes, He took the crown from His head. The vines disappeared and turned to smooth gold, the thorns to jewels. I watched, speechless as He placed the royal crown on my head, took my hand and led me towards Him. The music of worship returned and I was once again in church.

I have tried to live my life based on the motto that it is more important what God thinks of me than what people think of me. Easier said than done, it often helps in difficult decisions. Yet there are times that I forget the value He places on me. Times when I believe the old lies or that others view me negatively. Times when my self-image returns to its pre-vision condition.

God has given me a gift in the vision I saw that Sunday morning. I am more valuable to Him than the worth of all the fairy-tale princesses in all the storybooks ever written. He wore a crown of thorns and died a horrible death so that I could spend eternity with Him. Not just as one included in the number, but because He choose me personally.

I may have more book smarts than common sense. I may be stupid in some areas and am often lazy. But the truth given to me by the Truth Himself is that I do amount to something. I have value beyond what any human can comprehend.

Christ has a crown of gold and jewels for you as well. What lies from your past have you allowed to shape your view of yourself? Are you viewing yourself through Christ’s eyes, or through the eyes of sinful, hurt people? Choose instead the crown of value that Christ gives.
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This article has been read 1463 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sheri Gordon
05/08/07
Wow, this is very good. It's so true -- do I really understand and grasp what it means that He died just for me? Usually I don't 'get it' either -- I'm just one of many who He died for. But your piece really gets the message across. And very well written. Good job.
Jan Ackerson
05/08/07
Oh wow, the vision in the bolded paragraph is so beautiful! You were so blessed to have received it. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Sharlyn Guthrie
05/08/07
The vision you described involving the two crowns is lovely and spoke to my heart. Thank you!
Jacquelyn Horne
05/08/07
We all need to realize how important we are to Christ. We belong to him, therefore he cares about us. We have been purchased and really matter to him. Good point.
Cheri Hardaway
05/08/07
As I am myself another woman who is just beginning to internalize the truth of His death and my crown, I found this beautiful. Thanks, Cheri
Joanne Sher 
05/09/07
So moving and wonderfully written. Awesome.
Loren T. Lowery
05/09/07
This was good and I would have liked to see it expanded. It seems too brief, as if there is more to this short interlude than meets the eye. Thank-you for sharing your gift.
Patty Wysong
05/09/07
The image of Christ's crown of thorns was wonderfully vivid, and then seeing it turn into a crown with jewels and given was something to treasure. Thanks for sharing this.
Edy T Johnson
05/11/07
Oh, Joanney, this is such a keeper! Expressing your own vulnerability as you have here connects you to your readers like nothing else. Having experienced such a vision of Jesus has to be a precious comfort through the tough times. You are not only a great inspirational writer, YOU are an inspiration.

I also want to thank you for your comments on my Sparrow story. I sure appreciate you!
Valora Otis
09/16/07
I agree with everything Edy has said above. Joanney, you are a blessing. This piece shared so much with us all. Thank you for every word written here. I'm so grateful.
Mariane Holbrook
02/29/08
The wonderful part of the vision is that it's going to come true. For all of us! What a lovely, poignant piece! I do take issue with the judges on this one, though. It very definitely should have placed high up on the totem pole!!
Pam Carlson-Hetland
02/29/08
This is precious, Joanney. And so are you! This devotional is a like a personal letter of encouragement to the reader. I know there have been times when the Lord had to break through the barriers to let me know that He was truly taking care of me...nothing quite as awesome as this experience, but I knew Who was talking to me. Keep this memory alive in you, Joanney, for all the daily battle. Bless you for sharing this.
George Parler 
06/25/10
From a crown of shame and guilt to a crown of immeasurable worth. Beautiful descriptions and a powerful truth in your writing, Joanney.
Edy T Johnson
06/25/10
Dittos to what I wrote in 2007. You're right. This does fit wonderfully into the topic for our Southern Porch writing incentive. I am glad for your reminder to read this again. Hugs to you, friend!
Mariane Holbrook
06/25/10
What a superb inspiration piece! How it should thrill the heart of everyone who reads it that we all have worth, that God looks at us though eyes of unfailing love and better yet, He never once turns His back on us, no matter what we've been accused of.

A lovely story which I enjoy now more than when I first read it,because I know you so much better now.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
06/25/10
Joanney, I'm so glad you had this beautiful vision to replace the words of abuse from your childhood. You are, indeed, valuable in God's sight...and in those of us who love you.