Beloved Child of God

In 2020, I’m going to focus on the phrase, “I am a beloved child of God.”

This phrase first began to carry a lot of depth and meaning for me at the Women’s Conference I attended in Chiang Mai at the beginning of November. The songs we sang, the lessons I heard, even the very BIG physical reminder of my giant pregnant belly. God was speaking to me and softening me with this phrase. Healing me and showing his grace and kindness to me.

Much of my life, I have not felt “beloved.” I have felt like a nuisance. Like too much. Like not enough. Like a burden rather than a treasured blessing. I’ve spent much of my life apologizing for being me. Or, for being in the way, for wanting too much, for needing attention or resources, or for having strong convictions.

I am not perfect. And, there are things I should rightly apologize for. But, I am going to stop apologizing for being a “beloved Child of God.” God made me and he loves me. He does know my weaknesses and insecurities, my failings and my failures. But, I am his beloved. And, I will rejoice in that and stop apologizing for it.

I also have been reading a lot of Henri Nouwen lately, and he again and again uses this phrase and imagery. I am so encouraged and inspired by his words and thoughts. God is so good to continue to plant this message in my heart and help me heal as I grow deeper into the Truth of God’s Word.

I will continue to let this phrase transform me in 2020: I am God’s Beloved Child.

And, so are you. You are God’s Beloved Child. Could you lean into that title this year with me?