What would your sign say?

As I watched this video and saw the different people holding up signs that described how they felt: "I don't matter," "regrets," "betrayed," my heart just broke for them.  What would your sign say?
This world beats us up, and in turn some of us beat ourselves up as well.  When we are told negative things we tend to believe them and view ourselves differently.
This is a matter very close to my heart because of the way I grew up.  If you can imagine it, it happened to me.  One of the reasons I haven't blogged this month is because God keeps telling me to share what He's done for me, but my story is a hard one to tell.
If I were holding a sign (as a child) it would say "stupid." Or "worthless."  "Never good enough."
As a teenager and young adult it would say "addict."  And "unlovable." "Lower than dirt." And most of all, "guilty." Ah....and "lonely."
It's true, I did some awful things.  In fact, I felt that I didn't deserve to be loved.  I physically hurt myself and even tried to end my life, several times.

BUT-  Then I met my Savior.

And like in the video, He calls me His beloved.  All the ugliness is gone; through the grace of Christ I am made clean.
-for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  Romans 3:23-24
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!-2 Corinthians 5:17
It is a wonderful thing to be made new.  Through His love, I have found a way to heal, though it is an ongoing process.  Just think; all those awful things that no one knows....all the secrets...He knows and loves us anyway.  So who am I to question Him and not learn to love myself?  Our God and Father loves us immeasurably!  But we have an enemy who wants to steal us away through shame and doubt.  The best weapon is the Word and prayer.   Throughout the Bible we are reassured, and here are a just a few examples:

Jesus said in Matthew 10:30- And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

And:
"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18 (Paul is quoting from 2 Samuel.)
To all those who believe, God Himself is our Father! And He is a good, loving Father, for He is perfect and holy.  He created us, and He hears our cries.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.- Psalm 139:13-16

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.- Psalm 34:4-5

I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; 
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.  Then I called on the name of the Lord:
"O Lord save me!"
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the simplehearted; 
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
Psalm 116:1-9

So today, what sign would I hold up?  Several!
Daughter of God
Redeemed
Loved
Blessed
I hope that these will be your signs as well.
Wishing you all blessings in Christ!

My Cardboard Sign

I never thought I'd be on the side of the road with a cardboard sign! I've led an interesting life but that's not something I've ever done before. But on Easter Sunday, I got to stand at the entrance of my church with one. On one side it said "Jesus saves" and when I turned it over, it said "A parking spot for you!" I go to a large church and we get about 15,000 people in over three services on Easter. The police even come help direct traffic, so you can imagine people get a bit frustrated waiting just to turn into the lot. The pastor of the Magdalene Hope ministry I just joined came up with the idea to break the tension. It was a good idea; I had so much fun flipping the sign over and smiling at everyone! Lots of people smiled and waved back, and it was a blessing to me. And as usual we had excellent worship, message and a few surprises thrown in to make the service extra special.
I am so blessed to be able you have such a church to be able to go to! When my pastor speaks, I always learn something new and am encouraged. If you don't attend somewhere regularly, I encourage you to find a good place. It's hard to grow alone.
Then after service as people were all lined up in their cars waiting to go out, I had this sign:

Once again I got to smile and wave at a lot of people as they went out. Normally I'm a pretty shy person but I really had fun.
This song fits for Easter: God's Not Dead by the Newsboys. I love the chorus: "My God's not dead, he's surely alive, living on the inside, roaring like a lion." Our God is like a lion, mighty and strong and through him we can do all things.

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night- Psalm 92:1-2

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.-2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Wishing you all blessings!