“So, God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them.”

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

I often think about my friend from where I once worked, Rita, when I think of lessons God taught me about low self esteem.

Rita was beautiful. A petite Spanish woman with thick beautiful brown hair and big brown eyes, she had people’s attention when ever she walked by.

She was one of the hardest working people I had ever met. She worked her first job from six o’clock to 2pm and then went to work as a beautician in a nice shop from 3pm to six pm.

We became friends after the Lord gave me a Word for her one day. She was drawn to the things of God and God used me to mentor her. A single mom, she bought her first home from the sweat on her brow.

I was fascinated by the fact that her self-esteem was so low. I could not figure out why, with all she had going for her, she always thought she was unattractive.

The day came when she was having a party to celebrate her new home. I was excited to meet her sisters and brother.

It was that day when all I needed to know about her low self esteem was revealed to me by God.

Her mother and father were divorced and her father, a very handsome and successful man, simply adored Rita. She was clearly his favorite.

When I saw her sisters I was shocked. Even though she thought she was the ugly duckling of the family, none of them compared with Rita.

I begin to watch their interactions and I heard all the put-downs coming out of their mouths towards Rita who, like Cinderella, was waiting on them hand and foot.

Then God said to me, “Cathie do you see how hurtful words can be? These people were so jealous of Rita that they put her down her whole life. The poisonous words took root in her spirit and she believed them. Watch your Words my child! They have the power to destroy potential.”

So I ask you today dear reader, Is your low self esteem rooted in reality or is it a product of jealous people trying to put you down to squash your potential? Have you believed lies about yourself that have been spoken over you your whole life?

What if you are the beautiful butterfly God says you are? Beloved, spread your wings and FLY.

In His Unconditional Love

Cathie King Miller