God designed us and He doesn’t make mistakes

One of my favorite truths I came to learn and love through my relationship with God is that He created me perfect in His image. He looks at me and sees a flawless work. Even in my most cringeworthy moments and when my biggest insecurities surface, I know I was built with intention. Times when I don’t fit in, can’t figure it out, need a little more courage, or say the wrong thing, God knew this about me and created me anyway. Who am I to question His design? And what right do you have, too? Yet we do this all the time, don’t we? Argue and label the parts of us we don’t like as faults, dysfunctions, or mistakes.

I was discussing this over lunch with my artist friend who paints and had joined me for church one Sunday. She brought along with her the cheer-inducing gift I asked her to create for my sister’s upcoming birthday. Not only did she complete it a full day early, but she also made the painting altogether lovely, including each element and color I mentioned my sister would like. Needless to say, it was perfect!

Too much, too little, and not enough

Now, imagine that painting was to say to my friend, “This blue flower doesn’t match my teal one.” Or, “These rose gold flecks should be placed here, not there.” “I have way too many leaves”, “Do I have to be so pink?” “Man… you really blew it.” My friend would look at the painting and might say something like, ‘You are straight trippin’, boo. I intended for you to look this way, be all of these things, contain each of these elements, altogether, all at once. You are a masterpiece, just as you are—leaves, teals, flecks, and all. You bring me so much joy and are nothing short of a delight in my eyes. I have done a good thing by bringing you into this world; Own your one-of-a-kind awesome sauce that I did not whip up by accident.’ 

When I was that painting—picking myself apart, critiquing those details about me that I wish were different, less sparse, smoother, more even, disappeared—this is what my loving Creator told me. And this is what I’ll echo to you now. God didn’t give you what you have, who you are, who you’ve been, who you’re becoming by mistake. You are the right make and model. He created a super dope mold and chose you to fit it AND THIS PLEASED HIM. Let’s revel in that sweetness instead of sloshing around in the trash we or others may make up about ourselves. We’re here because we belong here, were meant to be here, can handle it here. We came equipped for this.

You’re a total vibe, babe

So, why am I telling you this? It’s not a groundbreaking, hot-off-the-press concept after all. There’s no frill or fuss, and you might even be thinking, Umm, I know this already. Perfect! That’s exactly the energy you need to go far. I just love this truth so deeply, I couldn’t resist sharing it here. It’s the part of my faith that helps me appreciate grace with such zeal and assurance. It tells my shame to kick rocks and my doubts to get to steppin’. And if this is news to you—or if you just needed a little refresher—I’m so glad this found you today, because it’s for you, too. Done on purpose. Written with intent. Just. Like. You. xoxo

A note from Erin: If these ideas or perspectives resonate with you, I’d love for you to subscribe or share them with someone you care about. If you’re looking to make a change, or when the time feels right, I’m here to help. Check out my new “WORK WITH ME” page to explore how we can collaborate—or swing by my “CONTACT” page to say hello, ask a question, or start a conversation.