Who You Really Are

Earlier today, I was complaining to my patient mom about some of my own physical imperfections and flaws that I'm currently frustrated about.  It's just been one of those weeks where I've been a little more down about myself and everything seems so much worse than what it actually is, ya know?  Thankfully, I was quickly reminded of a crucially important truth, and I really want to share that with you.

The adversary can be pretty tricky and can get us to believe a lot of things that just aren't true.  Our world these days focuses a great deal on appearance, status, materialism, etc., and Satan wants us to believe that every bit of it determines our worth and purpose as an individual.  He takes great pleasure when we compare ourselves to others who seem so much better off than us, and when we do that, we begin to tread down a dangerous path that will, in time, lead us further and further away from one of the most important truths in our lives.  Satan targets those things which are most precious, and one of those precious things is our divine heritage, where we came from, who we really are, and what that means to us.  

YOU are a son or daughter of the most infinite, divine, grand, and loving being in the universe.  He knows you personally, He knows you by name.  He knows all of the things that make you happy, the things that make you sad.  He is there during your greatest victories and most joyful moments, and He is always there during your times of defeat and greatest sorrow.  He loves your personality, your quirks, your interests and talents that make you unique.  He loves you just the way you are right now - imperfections and all.  As I began writing this, one of my very favorite scriptures came to mind:

But the Lord said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. - 1 Samuel 16:7

What a beautiful truth!!  Our Father in Heaven sees so much beyond outward appearance, status, and material things.  He sees us for our hearts, our best efforts, and our good works.  Part of becoming like Jesus Christ is learning this principle ourselves and practicing it with our fellowmen.  I have found it very powerful to view others through the Savior's eyes, and I can promise you that it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever have.  When we catch even a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father views His children, it is humbling beyond description and the love you feel for that individual in that moment is indescribable.   

So in the times when you don't feel like you're worth very much, remember who's child you are.  When you feel that you don't serve much of a purpose, remember where you came from.  Because of our divine heritage and the God-given power within each of us, we have the strength and the knowledge to see through Satan's lies and to shut his negativity out of our lives in all that he tries to do.  "Remember, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." - D&C 18:10

I think one of the greatest manifestations of God's love to us is the mere fact that He was willing to sacrifice His only begotten son for all mankind, that all might be saved and have the chance to return and live with Him forever.  This justifies that He must love and cherish us a great deal!  And our Savior's willingness to suffer every pain, sin, affliction, and temptation has proven His undying love in great magnitude.  I wish I could give everyone a hug who is reading this, I want you to know that you are loved!!!  I came across a quote one day by Rosemary M. Wixom that states, "Because you are God's child, you not only need Him, but He needs you."  I know this is so true.  Our Heavenly Father would do anything to bring us back into His presence.  

We are royal sons and daughters who belong to the kingdom of God.  We each have purpose, we each have work to do and lives to touch here on earth.  It doesn't matter what we look like, how much money we have, or how many likes or followers we get on social media.  YOU are His child, you are equal, and as my dad would say, worth more than diamonds and rubies in His eyes. 

Don't lose sight of who you really are, and you will do great things.  I promise.