I Am Me – I Am Special!

In the past, I would have freely admitted that “I am me” – of course.  That is an easy and obvious exclamation – almost ridiculous sounding, in fact.  However, I would have stopped way short of saying “I am special.”

You see, there have been times in my life that I have not had a very good self-image; times when I felt I was of no use to anyone for anything.  I read an article in the past that said the desire to like yourself was one of the most deeply ingrained instincts we have. So, it is understandable that a person might get depressed when their self-image becomes dimmed.  Fortunately, I have always bounced back from such depressing periods in my life. It is really amazing how such thoughts could even occur to a woman today, because she has to be so many different things to so many different people, she has to be special.

First, I am a Christian.  I was initially saved when I was about 9 years old at a children’s church camp.  Needless to say my life spiritually was up and down a lot over the years, especially in my teens.  But, I do love my Lord and want to be the person He intended for me to be. Jesus Christ did more for the liberation of women than any other man in the world ever has done or ever could do.  He is the reason I know that I am special.

When I had an awesome renewal experience with Jesus Christ 45+ years ago, it truly changed my life.  I certainly have not been the best person I can be all these years but thank goodness, He stuck by me – did not give up on me.  It certainly has not been a totally easy road, but the rough spots have been easier to handle, because I could/can share the loads with Him.  Through it all, I learned a very important thing – God does not make mistakes and although I am not perfect, I am special.

Second, I am a Mother.  How many women really think about all that this means?  It is so much more than just physically conceiving and giving birth to a child.  A classified ad for mothers might read something like this:  

Wanted:  capable female needed as a cook, maid, bottle washer, nurse, seamstress and chauffeur.  She must be willing to act as an answering service, activity director, teacher, counselor, dentist, referee, coach and psychologist.  College degree not required, but may be helpful.  (And, this just scratches the surface.)

Third, I have in the past been a daughter, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter.  I am still a mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and a grandmother. In these multiple roles, generally referred to as a “relative” means that there are others that I should try to please – some of them who are not blood relatives.  These are all people that sometimes have a very different outlook on life and different opinions on how life should be lived. Learning to handle all of the feelings – and sometimes conflicts – takes a lot of effort, a lot of love and a lot of forgiveness in order to be “special” in this area of my life.

Learning to be me is a new experience every day – an ongoing adventure.  The fact that I am a woman in today’s world is an opportunity for which I am planning to take full advantage.  I have the opportunity to be a complete person – to be whatever I want to be. But the most important thing that I am learning day by day is that I am me and I am definitely special!  

But I am not alone – YOU are also special – all of you – male and female alike.  There can be no doubt about it when you study God’s Word.  

Psalm 119:73a (NLT): “You made me; you created me…”

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV): “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:2-4 (NLT): “You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel    and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.”

Psalm 139:16 (NLT): “You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

Ephesians 2:10a (NLT): “For we are his workmanship…”

Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT): “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

Karran Martin – September 27, 2018