Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.
Brené Brown
Deep in the recesses of our minds and hearts there lies hidden the treasure we seek. We know its preciousness, and we know that it holds the gift we most desire: a life stronger than death.
Henri Nouwen
Shalom is wholeness, fullness, wellness, completeness, peace, safety, and resting secure. We were created for and meant to experience intimacy, union, flourishing, belovedness, delight, safety, freedom, goodness, and play with God in the Garden of Eden.
This is who we were before the world, parents, teachers, coaches, relatives, told us otherwise. In other words, this is a picture of our True Self.
The Shalom we were meant to experience is about delight and honor: delight for God, delight for his creation, delight for engagement with one another, but also delight for who you are! You are stunningly created and crafted. You were made for someone to see you and to be captured by you!
You are the most remarkable spirit I have ever met. You have courage and resourcefulness, talent, you’re proud - wonderfully so! And you are cunning and vibrant ... completely alive! You deserve every happiness you find. What I mean is ... you deserve much more! You deserve magic. - Tolkien, 2019 film
Consider ...
How easy is it for you to receive a compliment or encouragement? Honor and delight? Consider Psalm 139:17, do you actually believe God has precious thoughts about you? And if he does, do you have a hint as to how he sees you to be precious? And what would it be like to actually hold that, to experience, and taste that?!
You were meant for LOVE - you are the Beloved. You were meant for the receiving and giving of delight and honor. You bear delight and honor as you bear the very image of God!
