Well, that’s just the way I am.

“Well, that’s just the way I am.” Have you ever said that? Maybe someone says, “You’re kind of stubborn,” or “Wow, that’s honest,” or “I can see you’re excited about that.” Or maybe the opposite, “You gave up pretty easy,” or “You’re avoiding saying what you really think,” or “You seem awfully quiet.” Someone makes a comment about a characteristic or quality they think they see in you -- you’re shy, you’re quiet, you’re outgoing, you’re funny, you’re crazy -- and your response is, “Well, that’s just the way I am.” Maybe you add, “I can’t help it.”

Recently, I listened to a podcast by Henri Nouwen called “To be the beloved.” I transcribed it so I could read and ponder the words. So many of his sentences seem deep and meaningful that when I try to highlight them, practically the whole thing is highlighted! One of those diamond-bright sentences is this:

So the belovedness is a quality of everyone who is a son or daughter of God.

First -- and throughout the talk -- Nouwen quotes the words God says when Jesus is baptized.

When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan and he came out of the water, there was a voice that said, “You are my beloved. On you my favor rests.”

He goes on to the realization that these words are intimate and about him, not just Jesus -- about each of us, about you and me -- because we are children of God just as Jesus is.

I suddenly realized how intimate these words were, that God called Jesus his beloved, his favorite one, and I suddenly became aware that these words that were spoken to Jesus were also spoken to me, because Jesus keeps saying, “Just as the Father loves me, so He loves you.” So Jesus is the Son of God but we are the children of God just as Jesus is a child of God.

We all have different qualities: shyness, extrovertedness, bravery, intelligence, integrity, kindness, meanness, sincerity, loyalty, dependability, and on and on. Now add another: belovedness.

God says, “You are my beloved.” You’re his favorite. That’s just the way you are. You have this quality of belovedness.

I pray you remember that always. When you look in the mirror, when you have inner dialogues with yourself, when you wonder if you’re good enough, remember: You have this quality of belovedness. 

You can’t help it, God loves you.

What can I pray about for you?

What is this?? A while back, I had an idea. I was thinking of some friends I wanted to pray for, but I didn't have a specific thing to pray about on their behalf. I decided to pray that they would feel God's love. I decided to send them an email when I prayed, so they'd know and be encouraged. Then I thought about my many other family and friends who I would like to encourage with prayer, and decided to start this email.

Two things I try to do:

-- Encourage you with a reminder of God's love. My goal is to avoid anything where the response is "I should..." Just a short reflection of God's love.

-- Pray for you. I'll pray with each email, and please reply to me with anything you'd specifically like me to pray for you. I'll keep it confidential, don't worry..

You can opt out any time, no hurt feelings, no need for explanation, no worries. Just reply with a subject like "Unsubscribe" or "Opt out" or "No thanks" or whatever
. If you would like to send me specific prayer requests. I will gladly pray with you. Email me at mavis at moonfamily.cc. I'll keep all communication confidential.