U R More

U R More

Beautiful Truth #1: You are God’s Beloved (how to hold onto your crown when it falls off)

There must be a formula for being a great child of God, for wearing the crown well, for reflecting His goodness near and far. I just don’t know it yet.

But this I do know: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we shall be called children of God, and that is who we are!” 1 John 3:1

From Genesis to Revelation, we see that all He really wants is a great relationship with His children. I guess I know how He feels, because that’s all I want too: for my children to know the heights and depths of love; what it really means to live like you are loved; and to know the Cowboy and me, to know that although life gets rocky at times, our love is lasting. I want them to know our love is fierce and at the same time gentle; that our door is always open. Inside these walls they will always find a warm bed, a hot meal, the Word of God, prayer, a hug, a cup of tea, and a laugh. Nothing could hurt us more than them turning away from a relationship with us. 

When I think about our daughter these days I can get teary-eyed. We have traversed some jagged valleys and hugged on the heights. When she hurts, I hurt. When she is glad, I am too. It sometimes feels like my heart beats inside her chest. I feel the same way about our sons. When they struggle, I feel the push and pull. When they are all glee, my heart leaps too.

Life beneath our feet may feel like sinking sand, but our position as sons and daughters of God is rock solid. All it takes is the desire to have a relationship with Him. The lynchpin is faith that He gave His Son as a gift to our hemorrhaging world. Why? So that we could know the heights, the depths, the width of His love.

So there really is no formula. It’s a step of faith; a crown as gift; an inheritance that lasts; and a relationship with the Father. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

But what about when we mess up?

Last I remember, when our daughter messed up (or was it I who messed up, I can’t remember now?), it took a tear, an apology, faith, love, and forgiveness — the kind the wipes your slate totally clean. The offense is forgotten. Nothing she does will ever change the fact that she is our daughter. Nothing will ever remove our boys from the position of “Sons.”

So whatever happens, as the Spirit breathes in Revelation 3:11, “hold onto what you have so no one will take your crown.” Don’t ever let go of your position as a child of the King. Lay your crown at His feet when you need to. Get humble, get real, be honest about your sin. And if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.

Human beings cannot grant us entry into the family of God. The crown is a gift from the King himself.

Let’s wear ours well.

SHARE THIS STORY, Choose your platform:

About the Author: Jennifer

Jennifer Strickland is a wife, mom, TEDx speaker, and former professional model. She is the author of Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than You Know, and Beautiful Lies, among other books and Bible studies that teach women their worth in God’s eyes. Since leaving the modeling industry, she founded URMore.org, a non-profit ministry that provides resources to hurting women and girls. Her favorite moments are found working on the family ranch with her husband, who she calls “the Cowboy”; in her kitchen, concocting a new version of her famous spaghetti; or spending time with their three precious children.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

At the age of 18, I was recovering from an eating disorder, cutting, and suicide when I read Jennifer Strickland’s book Girl Perfect and it changed my life. At the age of 33, as I travel the world reaching youth for the gospel, this is the only book I recommend to girls who are struggling. The Lord has truly anointed Jennifer’s words through her story, not only to address the struggles of today’s generation of girls, but also to walk them through the healing necessary for victory.

Christina Boudreau

Jennifer is a captivating speaker. She keeps the listener hanging in wonder of what’s coming next! Her presentation is not only absorbing, it reveals the truth of God’s power to heal a wounded spirit.

Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, Former Stonecroft Ministries Regional Representative, San Diego, CA

“The ‘P’ word [perfection] may be the heaviest burden women bear. All the misguided things we do to attain it can keep us away from what we need most – the unconditional love of God the Father. The Girl Perfect Study Guide gives you a map to the wholeness you were created for.”

Nancy Ortberg

Nancy Ortberg, author and former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church

“The Girl Perfect Study Guide shatters the lies girls and women believe and points to the ultimate truth, which really does set us free. I am confident that this study will help thousands discover a beauty, purpose, and worth that truly lasts. Thank you Jen for exposing the ‘perfect life’ and inviting girls to experience God’s ‘perfect love.'”

Allie Marie Smith

Allie Marie Smith, Founder of Wonderfully Made

One of the best testaments to what Jennifer is doing for the young girls and women of today is a comment from my eleven-year-old granddaughter: “Grammy, I want to read this book and hear her again. She’s good and I learned a lot.” This is exactly what I experienced from a grown-up perspective when I was introduced to Jennifer Strickland’s amazing story. Read it and see if you don’t get the real story from an icon model and a powerful speaker of truth.”

Thelma Wells

Thelma Wells, D.D. (Hon), President of Woman of God Ministries
Show Buttons
Hide Buttons