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Through Their Eyes
One day, while visiting with a friend, I observed how she struggled with the effects of criticism which had come against her in her lifetime. The Lord began to speak to me of how we see ourselves through others' eyes, the lasting effects and the snare of the enemy of our souls. And this is not an isolated incident, nor is it something that affects only a few...for it touches every life..we have all done it..we have all felt it.
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be...James 3:8-10.
The words came fast...some cloaked...some sharp...
...always sure to criticize...
...my looks...my choices...my ways...my life...
...all filtered through their eyes.
"Too outspoken...never listens...too independent...different from us...
...that's where the problem lies."...
...but truth be known...the things they judged...
...were filtered through their eyes.
With wounded heart...emotions scarred...
...relief is what I sought...
...for through their eyes...I saw myself...
...in shades of what they thought.
Uncertainty...fear of failure...a chip on my shoulder...
...emotions to and fro...
...unworthiness...desires waiting to be filled...
...I'll never be good enough, isn't that so?"
And so began the years of anger...hate...
...and self contempt...
...need...rejection...this war inside...constant...
...leaving me spent.
I played the game...a smile on my face...
...being friendly and sure to please...
...but this pain inside...isolation...keeping distant...
...often brought me to my knees.
"What is wrong with me...God, are You watching?"...
...deep sadness in my heart...
...going here...going there...joining in among the others...
...feeling separate...never a part.
And then one day I turned and heard His voice...
..."My child, I AM Love...
...You look at yourself through others' eyes...
...instead from heaven above.
"Often through their eyes that see...themselves...
...are full of scars...
...they too have been judged by someone else...
...wounded...emotions marred.
"But He was wounded for our transgressions...
...He was bruised for our iniquity...(Isaiah 53:5)
...for My Son brought hope and healing...
...when He hung upon that tree.
"Yes, I AM Jehovah-Ropheka...(Exodus 15:26)
...and the healing for your heart...
...I will never leave you...I won't forsake you...
...My Spirit will never depart...
..."if you will put your hand in My hand...
...and trust Me with your life...
...I will teach you how to walk in peace...
...laying aside pain and strife.
"For I AM your God and your Creator...
...and I fashioned you out of My heart...
...your personality...your looks...your family...your days...
...this is My plan...you are a part.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love...(Jeremiah 31:3)
...now child, look to heaven above...
...if you will change your focus from this world to Me...
...I will fill you with My love.
"I AM the Way...the Truth..and the Life...(John 14:6)
...through My eyes, there is freedom from pain...
...I AM reaching out My hand to you...
...trust Me...you will never be the same." (Patti Campbell-Jensvold/2004)
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