To Love Like the Trees
Anyone who really knows me knows I love trees. My heart holds a special place for the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, how strong they are, how, when left alone, they are all at once reaching and digging in. I love that when my daughter was little, she saw the branches moving and the trees bending on a particularly blustery day and she asked me if they were dancing. Yes, baby, they are. I am inspired to know there is potential for MAJESTY even when the beginnings are small, seemingly insignificant, ignored and stepped on. I love trees.
The roots, if you will, of my deep affection for trees also come from a woman in Africa. Years ago, I watched an interview with her when she was asked, "Do you love yourself?" She answered with the biggest smile, "Of course I do! I LOVE myself! I have beautiful arms that help me love and provide. My legs are strong and I can run fast. Look at my skin, my eyes and my teeth!" There wasn't an ounce of pride or haughtiness, there was no disdain for the question. What this woman possessed was an AWARENESS of her VALUE and her CONTRIBUTION in the community. She had CELEBRATION in her tone. She LIVED INTO her gifts and her talents. There was no, "Well, people tell me..." NO! SHE knew she was SIGNIFICANT. The western reporter, not expecting this answer, asked, "Do you think other women wish they have what you have?" The look of shock on this tribal woman's face was priceless. "Of course not!"
"Why do you think that is?"
And here's where my beloved trees come in.
"Look at the trees. Do you think they want what they have of each other? No! They are all trees, made in their own way. Are they more or less important because of the shape of their leaves or how their branches bend? No! They are ALL beautiful. People are like that."
I want all people and especially women, as I think about my daughter and all the women I love this morning, to KNOW what they do well, how beautiful they are, that their bodies are magnificent gifts and they CONTRIBUTE to the value of this world. Loving ourselves does not come easily in our limited western culture. We buy into the media version of women in all its lies, we demure when complimented, we look to other people to find value in ourselves and we hide who we are out of fear of rejection.
Believe me, I'm not exempt. There is a fine line between accountability and looking for acceptance. I want to know that I'm pointed in the right direction without needing to seek approval every time I'm ready to step out. I want to live fully into the promptings of God in my life without relying on the second-guessing of others and their own fear-prompted filters.
Even as someone getting ready to turn 43, I'm still getting to know myself but I'm also closer to being friends with myself more than I've ever been. Everyday I get closer to, "I LOVE myself!"...and knowing why. I think that's the beauty of being in your 40s.
I pray that you get to see yourselves with fresh eyes today and celebrate. Love your strong arms and legs, your loving heart, your praying and smiling mouth, your talents and your gifts. You are like the trees, majestic and beautiful, made with purpose and an artist's hand. -- But you didn't need me to tell you that.
The roots, if you will, of my deep affection for trees also come from a woman in Africa. Years ago, I watched an interview with her when she was asked, "Do you love yourself?" She answered with the biggest smile, "Of course I do! I LOVE myself! I have beautiful arms that help me love and provide. My legs are strong and I can run fast. Look at my skin, my eyes and my teeth!" There wasn't an ounce of pride or haughtiness, there was no disdain for the question. What this woman possessed was an AWARENESS of her VALUE and her CONTRIBUTION in the community. She had CELEBRATION in her tone. She LIVED INTO her gifts and her talents. There was no, "Well, people tell me..." NO! SHE knew she was SIGNIFICANT. The western reporter, not expecting this answer, asked, "Do you think other women wish they have what you have?" The look of shock on this tribal woman's face was priceless. "Of course not!"
"Why do you think that is?"
And here's where my beloved trees come in.
"Look at the trees. Do you think they want what they have of each other? No! They are all trees, made in their own way. Are they more or less important because of the shape of their leaves or how their branches bend? No! They are ALL beautiful. People are like that."
I want all people and especially women, as I think about my daughter and all the women I love this morning, to KNOW what they do well, how beautiful they are, that their bodies are magnificent gifts and they CONTRIBUTE to the value of this world. Loving ourselves does not come easily in our limited western culture. We buy into the media version of women in all its lies, we demure when complimented, we look to other people to find value in ourselves and we hide who we are out of fear of rejection.
Believe me, I'm not exempt. There is a fine line between accountability and looking for acceptance. I want to know that I'm pointed in the right direction without needing to seek approval every time I'm ready to step out. I want to live fully into the promptings of God in my life without relying on the second-guessing of others and their own fear-prompted filters.
Even as someone getting ready to turn 43, I'm still getting to know myself but I'm also closer to being friends with myself more than I've ever been. Everyday I get closer to, "I LOVE myself!"...and knowing why. I think that's the beauty of being in your 40s.
I pray that you get to see yourselves with fresh eyes today and celebrate. Love your strong arms and legs, your loving heart, your praying and smiling mouth, your talents and your gifts. You are like the trees, majestic and beautiful, made with purpose and an artist's hand. -- But you didn't need me to tell you that.
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