June 17, 2009, "Yay! I'm Pricless"

TRIUMPHANT VICTORIOUS REMINDERS
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay."
~ I Peter 1:4 ~

"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ."
~ Philippians 3:8 ~

"Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are."
~ Matthew 6:26 ~


My daughter and I were holding hands in the store walking towards the registers to pay for our items. We weren't in any particular hurry when Tristin stopped which jolted my stride. I heard my daughter giggling. I was annoyed when I asked, "What are you doing?" She wasn't saying anything when she placed the top of her hand under the scanner where you can check the price of an item. Her hand adorned in a fish net '80's flourescent green glove, smiling she said, "Yay! I'm priceless."

I was amazed as the annoyance immediately left. In awe, I said, "Tristin, good girl! You are definitely priceless." We giggled together as I drew her close to my side walking together to the registers. She looked up at me and said, "Thank you mom."

As we finally arrived in the line waiting to pay for our purchase, I thought about what had just taken place. I realized the magazines all around us, the bombardment of "You have got to look like her." The lies of what success looks like plastered on the covers of the magazine. The lies of "You are replaceable. You have no value. If you don't look like 'this', or have 'that', you are 'so behind'." Realizing the 'whirlwind' of lies that are before our daughters, I stood in that line thanking God that His voice over her was more clear to her than 'their' voices.

My daughter, nine years old, in fourth grade, is already facing issues of inadequacy, issues of 'you are what you weigh'. Her age group so wrapped up in 'I must' have a boyfriend. I'm in awe even more so of her knowing her value was beyond a price.

It led me to the question, "Do I know my value like her? Do you know your value to God like her?" Many of us 'see' a 'price tag' on our lives. The tag is bright red and there are many prices crossed out as it says, "DISCOUNT. AS IS". We see ourselves as vessels that are no longer of any use. We have to realize that this is a lie and Truth has already spoken...and that was on the CROSS when TRUTH (JESUS) said, "It is Finished." Wooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

Our focus needs to be 're-focused'. When we start focusing on things that have no eternal value, pettiness, annoyances of others, issues that have no regard to the Kingdom of God, that is when we have got to, on purpose, focus on the things of God. Sometimes we have to get into that 'vehicle of praise' going to our destination of praising God.

I imagine a taxi driver in a 'taxi' with the model of the car being 'Vehicle Of Praise' . He drives to the curb where I stand and stops. I open the door and slide into the seat as he asks, "Where to?" And I say, "Destination Praise". But then he asks a profound question, "Destination Praise God?" OR "Destination Praise Your Problems." Wow! I pray I choose "Destination Praise God". Praising God to the refocus. As we start praising Him and broadcasting His awesomeness, something happens to us. That focus on the 'me' is demagnified and He becomes magnified. Leaving no room at that moment for pride in the form of insecurity to rise up.

When I see myself today I want to remind myself of Awesome God who calls me 'priceless'. I want to bless Him as I see myself the way He sees me. I know what we do are in no comparison to His awesome Majesty...however, to bless Him in any way is a gift to Him from His child.

What the world deems successful and valuable; in the end is of great insignificance.

Comments

  1. Sometimes seeing yourself through God's eyes can be the biggest challenge. I guess that's because faith is required. Do we believe that God made us this way for a purpose? Do we believe that each of us has a unique destiny? Looking in the mirror, and looking through God's eyes result in two very different images.

    I've been working this out in my own life. I'm staying away from mirrors, because they are so misleading. Instead I'm letting my words and actions paint the picture.

    Great post, Teresa!

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  2. I loved the part about your daughter and the scanner--what a wonderful revelation for a 4th grader! Dating?? Are you kidding--at that age, my gosh--is that some sort of sick joke? Teresa--you have a special family; cherish it and take praise in God for the family He has assembled. As a man--I'm awstruck by the beauty in your family; brings both happiness and sadness to me. Happiness for you and your family; sadness as I'm again reminded of which I seek but cannot seem to attain. Praise God!

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  3. What an absolutely beautiful post! I too want to go to 'Destination Praise God'! Great words my friend!!!

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  4. I thank you all for your encouraging words! Coming from awesome writers..thank you Lord for their encouraging words...I celebrate each of you and the gifts of God within all of you! i love you Alisa...you are truly an inspiration! Love..Teresa

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  5. My daughter is also 9 and gets bombarded the same way. Awesome encouragement to her. Keep teaching her her worth! :O)

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