Valued beyond Measure

Yesterday, my daughter Cristi invited me to participate in a Relief Society meeting via zoom. This was a type of enrichment night meeting discussing several topics on beauty and Cristi was given the topic of inner beauty also known as our divine nature. 

 

She started explaining how much she loves photography and that in photography there is truth and there is distortion the same way that it is in our lives. She took a photo of a child at a dump in El Salvador who probably in the eyes of the world was someone of no worth but not to our Heavenly Father. He had beautiful eyes that caught Cristi’s lens. At the Children’s Center where she used to work there were children who didn’t know of their worth and greatness even at that young age. She would ask this question: Why would a great person do that? 

 

She explained that truth is eternal and never changes. Distortion puts filter on the truth. For example, who might have a messy kitchen but that alone does not define your infinite worth. Every time thoughts like I am not enough, I am not worthy to be loved etc. creep into our head we need to stop that thought and change it to, I am of value beyond measure, of infinite worth no matter what! I like to think of this as imagining wearing an invisible crown. It’s a matter of knowing the difference between worth and worthiness. 

 

Sister Jones gave an outstanding talk on this very topic of “valued beyond measure” where she explains that the spirit will confirm to each of us individually our divine worth. Truly knowing that you are a daughter of God will affect every aspect of your life and guide you in the service you render every day. 

 

President Kimball explained: “God is your father. He loves you. He and your mother in Heaven value you beyond measure…You are unique. One of a kind, made of eternal intelligence which gives you claim upon eternal life. Let there be no question in your mind about your value as an individual. The whole intent of the gospel plan is to provide an opportunity for each of you to reach your fullest potential, which is eternal progression and the possibility of godhood. Let me point out the need to differentiate between two critical words: Worth and worthiness. They are not the same. Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us, not as the world values us. Our worth was determined before we ever came to this earth. God’s love is infinite and it will endure forever. On the other hand, worthiness is achieved through obedience. If we sin, we are less worthy, but we are never worthless! “

 

Con amor,

Vero