Today, I had my first striking glimpse at fatherhood.
I flew in, hit the seemingly silent streets and traveled to my new Haitian home. Upon arrival, I took care of business then meandered down the street to visit my Haitian friends.
As soon as I walked up on the scene, I learned that no one had forgotten my name! We visited, I took a nap, then we played soccer.
While playing on a plot of rocks smaller than our farmhouse kitchen, a familiar little face, who couldn't be more than eight years old, walked up and in the sweetest Creole batted her eyes and asked, "Do you still think I'm beautiful?"
My heart melted as if she were my own, and in terrible Creole, I tried to hold back the tears as I replied, "Of course I still think you're beautiful! You're so beautiful!"
Exposing her pearly whites with a smile from ear to ear, she turned and strutted off as if those words were heavy in satisfaction, exactly what she needed to hear.
Have you ever felt the need to ask for affirmation from God because you may not believe it anymore yourself? Have you ever felt so broken and confused that you thought, "What does God think of me right now?" or "Could He even think I'm still beautiful?"
Take a look at the prodigal son for a second. This father had compassion on his son, not condemning him, but joyfully forgiving him and without hesitation, gave him new life.
Compassion is a love from deep within, one that isn't derived from feeling or circumstance, an innate desire to alleviate pain and satisfy needs of the deep.
Here you have a son, completely "done" in the eyes of society, who was fiercely met with a fresh taste of grace. He feasted on the love of his father and it was heavy and real – exactly what he needed.
"'I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.'" And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. –Luke, 15:19,20 …then they celebrated!
Wherever you've been, whatever you've done, whoever you think you've become, no matter how bad or ugly, know this; His heart bleeds for you. You're his beautiful reflection, His pride and joy and nothing, yes nothing is strong enough to break the bond between His heart and yours. You are His beautiful.
Don't take it from me, go ask Him yourself, "God, do you still think I'm beautiful?"
