Knowing What You Carry

There's something special about knowing what we carry inside of us.

A few years ago while I was living in NYC, I was reflecting on this truth. I was navigating the subways as I headed to a friend's place for a potluck. I had my delicious contribution of zesty mac and cheese, concealed in a foil-covered baking dish. I thought about how, to a bystander, this covered dish may contain anything. In fact, for all they know, it could be empty! But to me, knowing what was in it made me carry it differently. I knew it was hot, so I handled it with potholders. I knew it was firmly set, so I didn't worry about spillage like I would have if I'd been carrying soup. It was heavy, so I knew I needed both hands. I was able to steward well this meal on the basis of one thing: understanding what I had.

Then I thought of how this is true of my life. I carry myself differently when I know what is in me. Am I unique? Important? Valuable? Because if I am, do I allow those close to me to undermine my authority, to treat me disrespectfully, and to glance over me, or do I give myself generously while maintaining good boundaries? When I'm talking, do I allow people to interrupt, or do I believe that what I have to say to them needs to be heard? Do I dress in a way that paints my body as something to be ogled by strangers who don't value me, or do I treat with dignity a body I value so that others know I'm not for free?

You are a treasure. Sure, I don't know you (or maybe I do!). 😀 But I know this is true anyway, because the God of the universe took time to knit you together in your mother's womb. He placed special characteristics in you, and you are the only one in creation with the full combination of all that is in you! He did it because the world needs to experience you! This is big, my friend! You are of so much worth to your heavenly Papa!

So carry yourself like a treasure. Carry yourself as one who is loved, because God adores you and prepares good relationships for you. Carry yourself like one who matters, because the world has no substitute for you. And please, carry yourself as one who is worthy of respect, because you are. While it is others' responsibility to respect you, the way you respect you sets a standard of what you will and won't accept.

One big way that we as people carry ourselves is the way we dress! Would you take a beautiful Victorian mansion and paint it some hideous shade of neon green? Would you take your innocent baby and dress him in spikes, skulls and crossbones? Of course not, because these things carry value worthy of reflecting. So why dress in clothes that hide you, or beg people to see you as if you're desperate for attention? Rather, reflect your true colors. Dress a king or a queen when you get ready each day. It feels good to know your worth, and you are worthy to be seen.

Much blessing,
Stacey