Sunday, August 3, 2008

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

8 comments:

Amy L Brooke said...

How was Haley's birthday? I hope it was great.

Anonymous said...

I thank God for you all the time. I know onl god can bring true healin gbut it is so nice to hear that another woman has the same issues do and you're not unique in this. Thank you again for being so open and honest and letting us know you. I am looking forward to your article about anxiety and depression. Will it be featured anywhere else besides the magazine?

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for genuinely reflecting Jesus Christ. You are so right about the need to praise God. I have found that in my life, when I praise Him with my whole life, then my problems - whatever they are at the moment - just diminish. I think that is God's gift to us for giving Him the glory He is due. I am so thankful for this website and always glean something to use in my walk with God. Thank you for being His yielded vessel.
In His Love and Hope,
Karan

Julie Gillies said...

This post reminds me of the old D.C. Talk song that says, "We all wanna be loved, we all need just a little respect..."

Inspiring words that the world needs to hear, Melissa.

Amen.

Dwanna said...

Thank you so very much for being you and for allowing God to work thru you. You are a guiding light for all of us and you are showing us how to allow God to shape us into what He wants us to be. I am learning how important it is to praise God in the good, as well as the bad. He loves us and only wants the best for us...but he wants to know that we appreciate Him being there too.

When is seems like the world is coming against me at every turn and that NO ONE cares and there are no friends around to help encourage me, I HAVE TO REMEMBER, MY SAVIOR IS THERE; to carry me and He wants to help me...I just have to be willing to give it to Him and allow Him to work things out for me.

WE MUST PRAISE HIM IN THE RAIN!!! AND WHEN WE PRAISE HIM, LIKE THE RAIN, THE BLESSINGS WILL BEGIN TO RAIN DOWN ON US FROM HEAVEN IN WAYS THAT WE CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO IMAGIN. He came to give us life and life more abundantly!! Thank you for the words of encouragement... I truly look forward to reading your blog every day!!!
God Bless,
Dwanna

jillian4 said...

Beautiful post........thank you........

Anonymous said...

I really liked this post. It is a good reminder and follow up to the weekend I had... I got to participate in the simulcast that Beth Moore did, and through her, God confirmed in me that He has a call on my life, that I have a purpose, that He loves me... I want to know that I know that I know that He loves me... so it sinks way down deep inside.
Like you said, no matter the past or present or the future He loves me.

And thank you for the book! I just got it in the mail today! I read the first couple, and they are so good.
Thank you again, and God bless,
Heather

Anonymous said...

Melissa,
I am so excited about the website for teen girls! Just in time for the conference! It is simply amazing how God works and opens doors isn't it. I will be excited for more info.
Next, I know we all have different issues but I think you about covered me with all the ones you listed. So glad God loves us unconditionally thanks for reminding me of that. Your blogs have been such a blessing to me lately.Amazing how he uses us when we allow him to isn't it. Much easier when we don't allow our pride to get in the way. I am still working on that.
In His Grip,
Margaret