I was never the real competitive type, but I LOVED getting all dressed up, putting on a pretty dress and prancing across the stage.
My daddy went to every single pageant...along with every other family member (I know, they all hated me for it).
One of the only things I can remember about each and every pageant are the words my daddy would say to me before each one of them.
"Heather, remember that no matter what happens, you are the winner in my eyes. You are the most beautiful one to me"
As a little girl, I soaked this up, and I really believed that my daddy thought I was the most beautiful one out there. I'm sure he did, which made it even better.
I never really won a "real" pageant, but it never mattered because I knew I had a daddy waiting for me to embrace me after it was all over with and reassure me with those words once again. That I was his best...his favorite...no matter what.
Fast forward 20 years from first hearing those words.
I was driving in my car listening to the radio, and this song comes on that I've heard a thousand times. I started singing along, but it was like God was speaking through it and my mind went back to those words my daddy told me so many times.
I don't need my name in lights
I'm famous in my Father's eyes
Make no mistake
He knows my name
I'm not living for applause
I'm already so adored
It's all His stage
He knows my name
You see, just as my earthly daddy has shown me over and over that he loves me no matter what...no matter what my "performance" shows, my Heavenly Daddy has such a greater love for me as well.
And you.
He loves you for you. Not for what you have or have not done. He created your inmost being (Psalm 139) and you don't have to try and impress Him. He loves you because He IS love.
It is so easy to believe the lies that are constantly racing through your mind.
"I'm not good enough."
"I have sinned too much."
"I'm a failure"
"I'll never be perfect, so why even try?"
But, girlfriend, be assured that God is so much bigger than any lie that you could ever imagine. You see, He knows YOUR name....YOUR thoughts....YOU ARE ADORED!
Despite anything you have or have not done, you are famous in His eyes.
He is looking down upon you now saying:
"Sweet daughter, remember that no matter what happens, you are the winner in my eyes. You are the most beautiful one to me"
You are His Beauty Queen. He adores you in ways we can never imagine.
Lets fall madly in love with Him daily and "prance across the stage" for Him.
