The rose

 

I have had this post floating around in my head for close to a year.  You see, about a year ago, I had the privilege of attending a Captivating retreat in Colorado.  If you’re not familiar with Captivating, it is a book written by John and Stasi Eldredge of Ransomed Heart Ministries and it’s amazing!  I’ve read it numerous times and it has changed my heart every single time.  I highly recommend it!  As for the retreat?  Well, it was life changing, especially in regards to how I view myself.  I won’t say that all of my insecurities and wounds were instantly healed (some are still not), but I started to see myself through the eyes of my Heavenly Father and Creator rather than through the eyes of the world.

There’s a song that was played at the retreat called “More Than Ashes” by Tim Reimherr and the Merchant Band that I’ve listened to more times than I count over the past year and I’d like to share it with you.  The lyrics are included in the video so you can really soak them in.  Allow the truth of who you are to wash over you while you listen…

God has called me – and you too – the rose!  Whether a rose is one of your favorites or not, you can’t deny that a rose is a stunningly beautiful creation of God.  The one in the picture above isn’t perfect.  There are a few imperfections and some discoloration on a few petals.  And yet when you look at it as a whole instead of narrowing in and focusing on the blemishes, it is beautiful.  Delicate, regal, soft, intricate.  And it smells sweet.

When my heart begins to condemn and I forget who I truly am … when I start listening to the wrong voices, all I have to do is remember that I am the rose.  I am his beauty!

I will never look at a rose the same way.  It is so much more than a plant.  It is a promise and a reminder of my worth.