B. E. A. U. T. Y
Image by Annie Spratt via Unsplash
“BEING”
by Karen Bonasso
BEING. This is the first word in our theme of B.E.A.U.T.Y. It can be such a philosophical word to ponder - like in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “To be or not to be…”- yet it is a simple thought I hope to explain. In the context of our theme, being is meant to be embraced as our created existence here on earth. I find it’s so important to acknowledge and understand that my importance and identity is firmly based on the truth that God created me. His reason for creating me begins with the amazing truth that it was His love that brought me into existence and sustains that existence. It is His love that gives me value, purpose, and identity.
I recognize that today, this day in history, I exist because of Him. In the Bible in the book of Jeremiah he writes of God telling him, “I formed you and knew you in the womb.” (Jer. 1:5) We read in Isaiah 49:1, “…from the matrix, the inner parts of my mother, God named me.” God knows us and gives us identity : God is involved with us in a loving way even before we are born. Even in the first days and years after we are born, when we are infants and babes, God gives us importance and purpose on this earth.
The Bible speaks to the importance God places on our very existence in this earth just by being . “ Out of the mouth of infants and babes God has established strength.” (Psalm 8:20). Jesus quotes this very scripture in Matthew 21:16, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants, God has perfected Praise.” I can hardly grasp the fact that the little sounds of life we make and the life energy within us are so significant to God. He prepared the beginning days and years of our lives to be part of establishing something of incredible significance in the spiritual realm here on earth.
God continues throughout our life to show us that we are the focus of His love. That we are important to Him. That we have a purpose in being on this earth in this moment of time. When I remember this, it helps place me in the reality of this present moment. That is, to be able to wake up and thank God for this day that I am alive, and recognize that He has made it to be so. I want to look and see what things, big or small, hard or simple, He has for me in this day. Whether it’s a discovery throughout the day, or a day of activities that have been planned for a long time, each day is always laced with surprise moments of expressions of His love. Each day I am made aware of the truth that, “In Him I live, and move, and have my being.” (Acts 17:25)
When we are being, we are embracing the core of who we are with the knowledge that God does indeed know us, give us identity, and deeply love us. He wants us to live life with Him, and as we do this we will sense God’s pleasure and confidence on the inside. This gives us the firm foundation upon which we can dive into life. For me, and the women you will be hearing from this year, this firm foundation is built upon every day by reading the Bible, God’s Word. As I read and pray, my inner man rests in His presence while He shows me in the Bible Who He is, what He values, and how that will be important in each day of my life. This firm foundation of confidence comes from knowing that I live and breathe and move and have my being because He loves me, and He gives me identity and significance. It is a very stable place from which to live earnestly and to pursue life with courage, spunk, common sense, resourcefulness, and hope.
Remember when you were a child it didn’t matter what temperature the water was? If you wanted to enjoy it, you jumped in with excitement! I’m hoping the theme of BEAUTY will inspire you to do just that! (Part 2)
by Karen Bonasso
Blog Photos by Annie Spratt via Unsplash