Last week in Relief Society a sister got up at the end to bare her testimony. I know different people got different things out of it, but the message I got out of it was one of self worth. She talked about how the guy/girl ratio in our ward is very lopsided and how it was easy to feel like an extra. But no matter how it looks, YOU ARE NOT EXTRA! God did not accidentally make more girls than guys. You were made on purpose and YOU ARE IMPORTANT. To me the point was not about dating, although that is a big deal for us at this phase of life. There are so many times we get down on ourselves for innumerable reasons. But I am not extra! I matter!
I read this blog this week titled
You are Intentional. It was right on with this thinking. We have a purpose! We were made intentionally and God has a plan for us.
About a month ago, my Relief Society was doing an activity and the week prior to the activity they gave us different challenges. I couldn't actually go to the activity but I decided to participate in the daily activities anyway. One of them had you ask others about your qualities. I recommend you do this, but be prepared to be overwhelmed and probably cry.
This is the message I sent to my friends.
Our Relief Society is doing a Be-You-tiful challenge this week and I need your help for today's challenge.
Challenge:
Read your Patriarchal Blessing and pay special attention to any mention
of your strengths, gifts and talents. You might ask your parents or
closest friends what gifts they see in you. Make a list of these in your
journal.
If you have a minute if you could write down a few gifts you see in me I'd appreciate it. Love you girls.
This is how they responded. (I'm NOT posting this so you can see how awesome I am. I'm posting this so I can always remember what others see in me when I can't see it in myself).
Patience, open mindedness, pure love of Christ, service
oriented, quilting and sewing skills, you share lots with others, listener,
faithful in whatever you put your mind to. ~K.D.
Thoughtful, creatively crafty, and giving. And sometimes all at once. You are a good listener and a great friend. ~S.H.
Cathy, you are one of the most service-oriented and
selfless people I know. You always look for ways to help other people.
You are a fabulous gift-giver and a very loyal friend. You are also
very diligent. You work hard, always at a steady pace. You are never
extreme in anything, which means you are very dependable. Love you! ~D.L.
Dear, dear Cathy.
You are one of the most thoughtful people I know. There is no one else
in my life that EVER sends me random cards in the mail, just because
they were thinking of me. You have the ability to make everyone around
you feel important and special. You notice the little things. Your
quilting skills are AMAZING. If long term memory is a talent, you're
pretty good at that too.
You have an amazing gift for serving people out of pure love and
kindness. You are always thinking of others. Thanks for being such an
awesome friend. ~D.C.
Dear Cathy,
You are self-motivated, determined, intelligent, brave, strong, and
inspirational. I still have the jean quilt you made me, and whenever we
need to go somewhere that requires a blanket, the hubby always asks, "Where is
that blanket?" You are crafty, talented, thoughtful, y muy hermosa! You
have endured trials in your life that you have persevered through, and
those experiences allow you to reach out and bless the lives of others.
You are fierce and wear your emotions on your sleeve. You are a
no-nonsense, getter-dun, kick-butt and take names warrior.You have
brought excitement to my life and lasting friendship. You are a
character. I am writing an action/adventure/fantasy/romance novel, and
one day when it is finished, you will find that one of the characters is
inspired by you. (P.S. we should still make that music video and use
Sean Faris cardboard cutouts. I am also down with Gerard Butler and Hugh
Jackman.) You are a beacon of light and an angel of hope. Querida amiga
mia. ~D.H.
Hey sweet friend!! I love you and I always talk to the hubby about your strengths.
so I'd love to brag about you..... You are sensitive to the spirit, have
ability to see people's needs and meet them quietly, unwavering faith,
charity encompasses everything you do and how you treat others. You are
the most loyal friend. You remember the little things. You love people
for who they are. You are emotional (I see it as a talent
) you are so humble... Willing to do all the work even if you don't get
recognition. Dedicated- you say you're going to do it then you will.
Willing to learn new things. Awesome back massage giver. best homemaker, basically ms. Cathy.... I love you and hope to be like you one day.
~C.S.
To all of you who may be doubting your own self worth and purpose, come talk to me. Better yet, go talk to God. He will let you know how important you really are (you can still come talk to me or email me or call me). You are loved. You have purpose. YOU ARE NOT EXTRA.
