In the depths of our souls, we all yearn to feel valued and loved, to believe that we are worthy of love and belonging. This longing extends to our relationship with God, where the inability to recognize our own worthiness can become a significant barrier. It challenges our ability to connect with God and with others. But here's the truth that resonates in my heart: I am valued and loved by God.
The feeling of worthlessness is a struggle I understand intimately. There were moments in my life when I questioned my own worth, when I felt undeserving of God's love and grace. It's a struggle that can lead to isolation, self-doubt, and a profound sense of emptiness.
But through my own journey and the wisdom of Saints and scriptures, I've come to realize that this feeling of worthlessness is a deception. It's a lie that diminishes our understanding of God's unconditional love. It's a lie that keeps us from embracing our true identity as beloved children of God.
One Saint who embodies the message of worthiness is Saint Francis of Assisi. His life was marked by a radical transformation—from a life of worldly pursuits to one of profound humility and devotion. Saint Francis understood that true worthiness came not from external achievements but from an intimate relationship with God.
His famous prayer, "Make me a channel of your peace," reflects his deep sense of worthiness in God's eyes. It teaches us that when we align our lives with God's love and purpose, we become vessels of His grace, radiating worthiness to others.
Another Saint whose life speaks to the theme of worthiness is Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as "The Little Flower." Her humility and simplicity serve as a reminder that God values even the smallest gestures of love and kindness. Saint Therese believed that we can build a bond with God through what she called "The Little Way"—simple acts of love and service performed with great love.
Saint Therese's life illustrates that our worthiness is not measured by grand accomplishments but by the depth of our love and faith. She invites us to recognize the beauty in our own smallness and to understand that we are deeply loved by God, just as we are.
So, how do we embrace our worthiness and build a bond with God?
First, we must acknowledge our feelings of worthlessness. It's crucial to confront these feelings and recognize them as barriers to our connection with God. Honesty with ourselves and with God is the first step towards healing.
Second, we can turn to prayer and self-reflection, just as the Saints did. Saint Francis's prayer and Saint Therese's "Little Way" offer profound insights into building a deeper bond with God. Prayer allows us to open our hearts to God's love and embrace our true worthiness.
Third, we must trust in God's unconditional love. It's a love that knows no bounds, a love that embraces us in our brokenness and whispers, "You are valued, you are loved." The Saints show us that our worthiness is not earned; it's a gift freely given by a loving Creator.
In conclusion, the feeling of worthlessness can be a significant barrier to connecting with God and others. However, the lives of Saints like Francis and Therese illuminate a path towards embracing our true worthiness. They teach us that our value is not determined by external measures but by our relationship with God. Let us cast aside the lie of worthlessness and embrace the truth: I am valued and loved by God.
