Thursday, August 27, 2015

You are beautiful...

...just as you are.



The theme behind my designs for the Stitchery Club in September is "inspire".

Whether that be to inspire others, or to be inspired, we all need a healthy dose of truth to lift us when life has brought a burden to bear in our heart or on our shoulders. 

Harsh or cruel words spoken over us as children, teens or adults, can leave deep ridged scars that distort the way we see ourselves and who we are. Dear one, you are PRECIOUS. 
I had harsh things thrown at me when I was growing up and right into my young adult years and I did not know until many years later how deeply etched they had driven themselves into the fabric of my emotions and my personal view of 'self'. 
To be frank, I loathed myself. The mirror was my nemesis, reflecting an image that made me want to hide from the (imagined) horror I saw myself to be; an ugly and tainted shell of a human not having any value that I could see or hope for. 




God had to dig deep over decades to expose the gnarled and hateful roots that were the cause of my personal abhorrence but the more I allowed Him to excavate in my darkness, the more His light shone bright to dispel it.
I still have the occasional dark day, usually when I've run myself too hard with work or overcommitments and my emotions are weak and depleted, but most of the time I find joy in being me.




There was a release from the chains of the past when I embraced this delight in being the beautiful me HE made me to be. 
Just as I am. Just as He envisioned me when He made me in my mother's womb. 

Dearest one, take this to heart. 
People can be cruel with their words and opinions for many reasons, and you may be wearing the scars of that, but it doesn't make it true. Can you honestly trust the judgement of that person? Were they speaking in your  best interests? I doubt it.
So why believe the lies they spoke over you? Don't walk under a cloud of lies anymore. 

Walk free because YOU are beautiful, just as you are. Just as He made you. 



You may need a special hug and a prayer today so please know I'm sending both to you, beautiful lady.

love


30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, how sweet, Jenny, both the stitchery and your kind words. I know that the journey you have traveled has made you so much more open to the pain of others who've had such a path. There are way too many, and my heart aches for all of us who have ever felt like worthless ugly ducklings. You have given the prescription, though. Let God heal us. He loves each of us and we are precious to him. Sometimes we need to stop and remember that. We are his children and that makes us royalty.

Maria McCabe said...

I have been following you since the Gum Tree days and I have always enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your beautiful handwork. This post touched my heart and made me cry, you are an beautifully eloquent writer with a huge heart of gold full of love. Thank you Jenny.
Maria
New York, USA

Baa. xxx said...

Thank you, Gorgeous One!!

Ohsewcrafty said...

Your words brought a tear to my eyes. Your project is simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing both.

Maria said...

That is just beautiful Jenny - what a blessing you are to so many. Oh that we would all truly know just how loved we are by the Lord and see ourselves from His perspective. Thank you for this lovely reminder and praise God for the work that he is doing in us all. I for one need to learn this lesson - again, and again, and again!!

Águeda said...

Las palabras que me hieren sin intención, procuro perdonarlas y se me olvidan fácilmente. Las palabras dichas con crueldad, con el fín de hacerme daño, me causaban rabia y ansias de venganza cuando yo era más joven. Ahora me causan más sorpresa que dolor. ¿Quién tiene el tiempo de fijarse en mí, que soy una pulga en medio de Su obra, que se limita a salir adelante? ¿Quién puede ocuparse de sembrar fealdad en mi camino en lugar de belleza en el suyo propio?. Me duelen esas palabras, pero sólo durante un segundo. Después vuelvo a mis quehaceres que son muchos, y a las pequeñas y bellas cosas que importan de verdad. Tus bordados son una bella forma de recordarnos lo que de verdad importa. Muchas gracias Jenny. Bless you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Beautiful. Lady this was such a moving post,Thankyou xx

E Strea Chikitu said...

very sweet

Christina said...

Such a moving post.

krislovesfabric said...

Beautiful post, thank you.

Ju said...

Ai, que lindo!!!!!
Jenny querida, você é uma artista!
Onde encontra essas molduras tão lindas?
Beijos
Ju

Anonymous said...

I'm sure your beautiful words this morning will touch the hearts of many who have been hurt. Thank you for a just the right words at just the right time.

Brenda said...

Jenny, I am sorry that your past was tainted with words that made feel and see yourself as not beautiful. I am also glad that you let God into your heart and let him work his undying love into your heart and soul. You are so right in saying how people say and do things that really leave deep wounds, some without knowing what they are doing/saying but many that do. I will continue to pray for you and your family that God will continue to surround you and your life with his love and strength. I know through Gods love and strength that I am a stronger, beautiful and unique individual. Thank you for sharing this wonderful message with us today. Jenny, you are a beautiful woman who has so much to offer this world. Hold strong through his love. Have a wonderful creative day!

Ju said...

Eu amei o texto! Diz muito para mim!!!! Obrigada, querida!
Beijos
Ju

sandi s said...

Hi Jenny, this was such a beautiful post and design today. Your words are so wonderful and sweet it felt like it was sent just to me and I know each person who read it felt the same way. Thank you. Hugs,

Judy said...

Jenny As Always, Your post today and the beautiful embroidery design lifted me up and made me feel "Beautiful" ... xoxo

Unknown said...

You ARE beautiful, Jenny, both inside and out. You are a blessing to all of us who are so fortunate to have found you. You are truly an inspiration EVERYDAY with your sincere heart and your lovely designs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

TerriSue said...

Dearest Jenny,
I too was bullied as a child and teenager. I really thought I had given it all over to Abba and worked through it all years ago. Then earlier this year Eric came out one evening and wanted to show Jim and I a video on YouTube. It was an animated short on bullying, maybe 7-10 minutes long. by the time it was over I was a bawling, blubbering mess. I realized that I still had some issues that Abba and I needed to work on. Your embroidery design is "beautiful". Your talent never ceases to amaze me. Your openness on your blog is sometimes just plain overwhelming. May I say that when you post a picture of yourself I find you absolutely gorgeous.
Love You,
TerriSue

KimM said...

Beautiful post, Jenny - just like you. Beautiful inside and out ;0)
xxx

Farm Quilter said...

The Lord certainly gave you the gift of encouragement. I was not bullied or picked on as a child - being adopted my parents made sure that I knew I was wanted, loved and perfect (except when I needed discipline) in their eyes. My ex did a bit of a number on me, but that is done and I know it is his need to control everything that made him need to try to tear me down. Meh, on him, I'm completely content with who I am in the arms of Jesus. Bless you for continuing to lift everyone around you up!!

Melody said...

This post came just at the right time...there are a lot of horrible things happening at the moment - the news is appalling, so many senseless violent acts. I've been sitting with one of my dear friends as she lives her last weeks, a victim of brain cancer, and I'm a victim of a bully at the moment...I've no idea why she has turned on me...but I've seen her do it to two others in the last year or so...very distressing.

quiltingtaylormade said...

Hi Jenny -- What a beautiful posting and embroidery from you !! YOU have the most living and understanding heart. While I had a happy childhood and lots of good TRUE friends, I've found adults to be especially cruel (women in particular). Your post has arrived at a time when I really need it. I feel like everything I try to do, try to accomplish, turns into one problem after another. I am mentally, physically, and emotionally worn out and feel so defeated. I fight my depression every minute of every day. So it feels good to hear and be reminded that God is in my corner and loves me just as I am. Thank you so much for your postings, your photographs, your beautiful embroidery designs, and your kind and thoughtful words !! Love, Tay

quiltingtaylormade said...

Jenny, my comment should have read "You have the most LOVING and understanding heart." Hugs, Tay

Michelle said...

This stitchery is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story with us today. Sometimes we all need healing. I was feeling upended today about someone who doesn't like me. This person doesn't find many people they like, so I know that I shouldn't be too offended, but I want them to see Christ in me, and I'm not sure they do. I needed to hear these words.

sandrarobben said...

From your blog, right into my heart, that is where these kind words landed. Thank you!

Unknown said...

You are an angel in our midst thank you for your words

Martha Roberts said...

My heart hurts for the young girl who was hurt but it rejoices for the beautiful lady you are and see in the mirror now. We never know how our youth forms our adult years and brings forth our God given gifts but I have to believe that is why you create such beauty now. Lovely blog.

Sharon - creativity and family said...

Truly beautiful, the stitchery, the post and You Jenny, inside and out. God truly uses you here, may you find blessing in it too. x

Createology said...

Thank You Dear Jenny! I have no other words at this time except to say you are a gift from God and I am blessed to be able to follow you and your heartfelt words and stitchings. Thank You Precious Lady...

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