“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”   The still silent voice inside replies, “Christ Alone!”

To reflect, as defined by Webster, means to prevent passage of and cause to change direction; to give back or exhibit as an image, likeness, or outline.

The reflection I see when I look into the still water of a lake, the window of a car, or a real mirror, is that of my outer being.  However, if I stare long enough, my mind wanders in wonder of my existence.  I am reflecting upon my very own reflection.  I have gone deep into the contemplative place of my heart and the depths of my soul.  Every part of me is woven intricately into a beautiful image that stands alone like no other and mirrors the very nature of the One who brought me into existence.  If I allow myself to ponder long enough, such truth brings humble tears to my eyes and I cannot hold back the flow; my outpouring of praise.

One thing I ponder is the Creator’s process as He sculpted, molded, and fashioned me in His image.  “What were His thoughts?” I wonder.  Higher and more lofty than my own, for sure.  If He says I am worth dying for and that I am priceless, then I must question the destructive patterns I am easily led to follow when I compare, masquerade, or mutilate my body in exchange for all He did to form me into His likeness.  When I follow these destructive patterns, I say to Him that His work is flawed.  My lack of contentment is the result of not trusting the One who made me.

When I became anxious or insecure, I would pick my arms to the point of bleeding.  This was a subconscious act that would happen out of habit, and when it hurt and started to bleed, I realized what I had done, but at the same time the release of endorphins it caused gave me a jolt.  I did this for a little over twenty years.  My arms still show the scars.  I cannot change the past.  The scars remind me of what I did.  They also remind me that I don’t need to believe the lies that lured me to that destructive act.  Because of the power of Christ in me, I choose to renew my mind with the truth of scripture and to guard my heart by thinking on what is true, honorable, pure, lovely and admirable.

Our reflection in the mirror should reflect that of Christ.  Look in the mirror and say, “ God loves me!  I am His beautiful creation, a beautiful masterpiece.  I have surrendered to the Lordship of Christ in my life, and I am sealed in the Book of Life because He loved me enough to die for me so He could spend all eternity with me!  I am priceless!”.

No wonder repentance of the heart requires that we turn from our wicked ways and walk in the newness of life.  He gave it all for us!  

My prayer for you is that you will choose today to lay down the destructive patterns that separate you from walking in the truth of who you are in Christ, and that you will turn away from the destructive patterns, and that you will walk in the newness of life He has for you!

Joyfully Healing from the Inside Out,