Damaged

How many of you like to shop secondhand stores? I know I do!!! Especially the thrift stores with brand-name items that still have the tags on—there’s just a minute flaw that hardly anyone could see! A lot of times the truth behind the saying “Another man’s garbage is another man’s treasure” comes into play as we hit garage sales, estate sales, consignment stores, etc. Now, there are two different views that go with this ~ one is the shock that someone would actually get rid of something so wonderful, and the other is the sales associate who can’t believe we’d want something with flaws. If we didn’t cherish “things” with flaws, how can we love another human being? We’re all full of flaws!

As I’m heading toward the end of my manuscript to be submitted, I realize that, in a large portion of my book, I have put myself out there for everyone to know my mistakes, heartaches, flaws, etc. Once someone asked me why I would do that, let everyone know all about me. Well, I answered honestly. I just told him/her that my mother already knows everything about me and still loves me, so what do I have to be afraid of? God still loves me!

Many times over, people have gone through so much in their lives that they consider themselves “damaged goods.” I know I did for a long time. Even though I didn’t say it, my subconscious was continuously reminding me how horrible I was because of all of my mistakes. Subconscious? More like the enemy! In a conversation with Rick Curren, III, I was asked, “When did you make that conscious decision that you don’t deserve better?” That really hit home. I mean, I really had to look hard in my rearview mirror and realize when I did. It wasn’t a matter of “if,” my life already showed I “did.” Then came the reminder from my roots ~ Jesus thought I was worth it ~ why didn’t I?

One last thought ~ if Jesus thought we were worth dying for, then why do we ever have low self-esteem?

He knew we were damaged and yet gave His life for us!

So, the next time you doubt whether you’re good enough, look at your past to evaluate who you are, etc., remember: Jesus loved you before you were born. He died so you could have salvation. He knew every mistake you’d make and all of your flaws, yet you were still worth dying for. You were worth it to Him.

This is DeVaughn ~ bringing it home.