INDENSEABLE, VALUABLE, IMPORTANT

PRACTICE: Open your hand, palm facing UP, look at the lines.

A few years ago, a movie - “The Help” was a box office hit. Abilene, played by Viola Davis spoke these words, “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” I have uttered them to others since. I’d like to rephrase those lines and say “You are indispensable. You are valuable. You are important.”

Said another way, you are neither alone nor unseen. Your offerings and contributions to stranger and friend does not go unheard. Regardless of circumstances or the thoughtless behavior of others, never doubt or question your value.

When we are firmly planted in the habit of cherishing ourselves, life has a way of cherishing us back. Take another look at your palm. NO ONE else has this exact pattern engraved in their hand. That sets you apart. There is a deep line that runs across the palm relatively close to the thumb known as the lifeline. I like to think that my lifeline connects me to my parents and generations of my ancestors. I find validation in this thought of my value to this world. My being present in this current age connects the past to the future. I am not alone. I carry with me the blood and the wisdom of my ancestors. I have a responsibility to pass it forward.

There is only one of me. There will never be another me. I am a rare “once in a forever” specimen.

I have decided that were I a precious gemstone, I would be more precious than painite or musgravite. We have all heard of diamonds, which are expensive but not rare. They are expensive based upon consumer demand.

Painite is difficult to find – only several thousand known pieces. It is difficult to cut and may cost up to sixty thousand dollars a carat. Musgravite is so rare that you and are unlikely to ever see it. It can cost up to thirty- five thousand dollars per carat versus a diamond ‘s cost of up to twelve thousand dollars per carat. Before either was discovered in the fifties and sixties respectively, they were still rare, valuable, and important. Discovery by a mineralogist did not distract from these facts. Discovery enhanced the mineralogist’s value and importance.

The same is true for you and me. We are born into the world as a rare specimen. Claim your status – live into it. You are not a disposable piece of junk. When you stake your claim on your value, others will discover it too. Their life will be enhanced because you are you. You become a lifeline that connects the past to the future for others.

Luke 12:7

PONDER THIS THOUGHT--- Affirmation of my personal value by others is desirable but not crucial.