We All Have Different Issues

As I read through some previous emails and comments, something became quite clear to me. We share much in common...yes, we need Jesus desperately because our own efforts, husbands, friends, and physical selfs don't make us completely happy and content...they can't. And, we have a need to feel accepted and loved, no matter what our size, shape, or situation.

One of the comments that touched me the most came from a woman who was struggling with the exact opposite physical problem as mine. I continually talk of wanting to lose weight. She spoke of the need to gain weight. How her family and friends commented often of how she looked ill and needed to gain. I can't relate to that. At all. But I can relate to her heart. She just wants to be content and satisfied with who she is. She wants to be what others want her to be. One of my greatest friends in all the world is so super skinny. I frequently joke of how I'd like to give her half of my thighs and hips. And she jokes back of how she'd like that. She tires of people telling her that she looks unhealthy and weak. No one tells me I need to lose weight, but it's obvious I do. Our society is weird like that. We need to recognize that those of us who need to lose feel just as self concious as those of us who need to gain. Thank you for being so honest. Self image and feelings of doubt are just as important no matter what the situation. This blog is for EVERYONE! Not just the overweight. I'm so glad you chimed in. Sweet sista, I love you.

No matter what the reason: stuck together toes (like mine on both feet), being overweight, being underweight, having a horrid past, having a sinful past, being rejected, having a shameful scar, being divorced, having an abortion, having a drugfilled past, committing adultery, focusing on people pleasing, carrying baggage from a relationship or past, having a depleting marriage, WHATEVER you carry with you....there are many issues. BUT, they don't have to hinder you from being what and who you are today. Hear that????? I hope so. You are NOT what you did or what you were a part of. It's who you are that matters. Are you a child of God? Yes. Do you love Jesus and accept Him as your Savior? Well, that's up to you and that's who you are. You are NOT what you did. That's what you did. It's NOT who you are.

So, who are you? I don't know. Only you can decide that. I can tell you who I am. I am Melissa Taylor, daughter of the One and Only Almighty King of this Universe. God loves me unconditionally and unfailingly. I am forgiven and my slate is clean. Yours can be too. I am pure. I am ok, alright, accepted, and totally good. That is ALL because of Jesus. My actions have shown a very flawed and disturbed woman. My actions have been scewed and misled and confused. But God still loves me. He still loves me. No matter what my issues. No matter what my past. No matter what.

Yes, we all have different issues. We may not understand each other. That's ok. We can't judge each other and we shouldn't. It's NOT our place to do that. It's our place to love like Jesus does. If we all would just praise the Lord for Who He is and focus on who He wants us to be, we'd be so much better off. Yes, we all have different issues. But we all serve the same God.

My friends, you are so beautiful. Whether you are overweight, underweight, scarred, abused, sinful, filthy, undisciplined, confused, scared, afraid, confident, secure, insecure, or whatever you are.....you are beautiful. And Jesus loves you and desires that you enter His family.

Any questions? Ask me. I'll share Jesus with anyone, anywhere, or no matter what.

Much Love,

Melissa