Many of us women always quote Proverbs 31 and say we are more precious than rubies, but how many of us truly believe it? If we truly believed it, a lot of us wouldn’t be struggling with body image problems, abusive relationships, low self-esteem, and all those other things that a lot of us struggle with daily.

I know for quite some time, I didn’t truly believe it.

Can I be real with y’all? I struggled with knowing my self-worth for a long time. Basically from 9th grade until this year…yes, THIS YEAR! I have parents who would build me up and tell me I am beautiful, I am valuable, etc. That was never the problem. The problem was that I didn’t believe it. I didn’t feel beautiful. I didn’t feel valuable. I didn’t feel I was worth much at all. I was insecure, felt less than, and when it came to relationships, I was willing to accept any and everything. The enemy really had a hold on my mind.

I would try to find my value in my GPA, in my performance on the track, in my relationships, from guys, from the clothes I would wear, and anything else you could think of.  Let me tell you, I have made 4.0s, graduated college Magna Cum Laude, had some great track meets, have gotten a lot of attention from guys, and I still felt empty. Trust me, I am not saying this to brag or boast. I am saying this to show you that no matter how many material possesions you have, no matter how great your resume looks, no matter how much of a star athlete you are, you won’t be fulfilled until you accept Christ in your life. He is the only one who can fill those voids. We find our worth in Him and Him alone not from the things in this world because all these things can and will fail us at some point.

Me after graduating from college May 12, 2012

I placed my value in track so much that when I stopped performing as well as I once was (due to injuries and drama) I felt so low. I felt myself slowly going into depression. I placed all my worth and value in my relationship that when my ex cheated on me and abused me, I felt worthless. I felt I did something to deserve it. I felt so low that I didn’t feel like I deserved better. I didn’t think I could get better because I placed all my value and worth into a man who could honestly have cared less.

I have said all this to tell you that you can overcome this. Jesus overcame and so can we.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you
will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the
world.” – John 16:33

You don’t have to live life being insecure and looking to material possessions, a significant other, a pair of thighs in your bed, or anything else.

Ladies, your self worth is NOT found in that man. It is not determined by how many likes you get on your photos on instagram, how many guys try to holla, or your relationship status. Your worth is found in Christ. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You were made in the image of God, and we serve a beautiful God so that makes you beautiful as well.You are worth far more than rubies, diamonds, and pearls. Believe it. Recieve it. Act like it. Don’t sell yourself short.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139: 13-14

Fellas: Your worth is not found in how many females you can sleep with, how big your muscles are, the car you drive, the brand of clothing you wear or anything else. You find your worth in Christ. When you accept Him as Lord and Savior of your life, you will be made new.

“And the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable than a whole flock of sparrows.” – Matthew 10:30-31

Now when you realize your value comes from God, your actions will change. Your thoughts will change. You will realize that you don’t have to give it up to a guy in order to get or keep him. You will realize that you don’t have to have 10 differect chicks in order to feel good about yourself. You will realize that you are valuable, that you are worth the wait. If a man gets upset that you won’t give it up, you will be cool with that and politely give him the boot because you know Whose you are. You will know that you are worth far more than a measley 10 minutes of something that can lead you to hell.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” – 2 Corinthians 6:17

I pray that this helped someone who is dealing with self-esteem/self-worth issues. You are beautiful. You are worthy. You ARE more precious than rubies. You deserve God’s best. Jesus loves you. You are to DIE for. Jesus showed us that. Receive it. Believe it.

xoxo

Disa Foster