Break Free and Live in TruthSample

Dear Younger Me

Because I work from home, some days I stay in my pajamas. I figure that if I don’t have to leave the house and no one is at home, it just doesn’t make sense for me to change out of something so comfy. Being over fifty has its advantages. It seems my accumulation of trips around the sun has changed my perspective and priorities. However, this wasn’t always the case.

Hi, my name is Rae Lynn, and I’m a recovering approval addict.

As a young teen, I would spend hours each day putting on makeup, fixing my hair, and getting dressed...even when I didn’t have to leave the house. As the song says, perfection was my enemy. I felt deep discontentment with myself and believed if I could somehow get the outside right, the inside would feel right, too. It didn’t work. Instead, I grew increasingly dissatisfied with who I was and turned to bulimia to gain control.

Looking in the mirror at my reflection one morning, I felt a wash of God’s love and acceptance. It was as if He was saying, "Rae Lynn, you are beautiful just the way you are—no makeup, tousled hair, wrinkled pajamas, and all. What I esteem has nothing to do with outward appearance. Your beauty radiates from within; it cannot be measured by human ideals, so quit trying to quantify your worth by the world’s broken standards."

It all happened in a split second; yet, in that brief exchange, God brought forty-plus years of healing to my soul.

I pray you do not struggle with feelings of unworthiness like younger me. I pray you can look in the mirror and see what God sees—beauty—even when the world says you are at your worst.

Friends, the more we try to be perfect on the outside, the less fulfilled we will feel on the inside. Don’t let another year go by without finding internal peace with past, present, and future you.

Dear Younger Me, I’m sorry that I allowed the world to dictate your worth. I release you from those worldly pressures and I want you to know that you are loved just the way you are—no makeup, tousled hair and all. You are beautiful and worthy. Oh, and one more thing… don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t stay in your pajamas every now and then. It’s totally okay!

Personal Reflection

• What are some of the things about yourself that make you feel unworthy or less than?
• Do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself? If yes, are they self-inflicted, or have they been put on you by someone else?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank you that you love me just as I am. I ask you to release me from any false beliefs or expectations I have of myself and help me see myself through your eyes. Amen.