"Jesus Loves You." ❤️ "Healing the Inner Child."

A few days ago, I was thinking about ministry. I was wondering what my ministry even is. Then I heard the words, "To be a child of God." And that is who we are.

God doesn't care about what we "do" for a living. He doesn't look at us according to the world's standards. We don't have to perform or audition for God. We don't have to do anything to try and earn His love, or win his approval. He loves us unconditionally for who we are, and who He made us to be. 💖

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:1-3)

So many of us are dealing with issues related to the healing of our inner child. Some of us have had difficult upbringings and childhoods. Or our parents have gone through this as children, and they pass it all down the plumb line to the next generation. Others might feel abandoned, rejected, and ostracized by members of their own families. I understand how that feels, because I have been going through this myself.

In my family there is a lot of pressure on girls to succeed in life. Especially from my mom's side. All because of the abject poverty that they all grew up in. My grandma entered an arranged marriage that wasn't healthy. She had twelve kids, and they all suffered greatly at the hands of my grandpa who wasn't a godly man. Of course now my mom has also carried these past wounds into her own marriage, and passed down the same beliefs, fears, and dispositions down to her children.

With God's help, I'm gradually breaking free from these strongholds of the past. Things that didn't even have anything to do with me, are now starting to come to the surface. Things that have held my family in captivity for years. Yet I still struggle with perfectionism, and wanting to be loved by my family. I feel pressured to be "a success story" according to the world's standards, in order to earn the love and approval of my family. Even though I know that I am loved and accepted by God. I still feel wounded in a way. And in need of God's healing touch in these areas of my life.

I just feel led to share some of my personal struggles here, with the intention of hopefully helping other people too, who might be going through similar things. Every person has a story to share. And by being transparent and sharing my story, I hope to edify and encourage people who are still healing.

Just a few minutes ago, I had the song, "Ballerina Girl," by Lionel Richie on my mind. 🎶🕊️💖 The Lord often uses secular songs to teach me things. But He can use anything to teach us His truths. I used to have ballerina wallpaper in my room as a child. And I always admired the strength, discipline, and agility of the ballerinas who could dance like that.

When I watched the video again and observed how the loving dad was watching his little girl dance with the other ballerinas. He looked at her with pure love, joy, and warmth. Kind of like watching her begin to take her first steps, as she learned how to dance.

He wasn't forcing her to perform for him. He didn't tell her that she had to get good grades in school, in order to win his love. She didn't have to win first place in the auditions. Instead he cheered her on, and warmly embraced her at the end. Watching this video literally brought tears to my eyes, and the lyrics made me weep too. 😢

Our Heavenly Father loves to hear us sing praises to Him. And He loves to watch us dance for Him too. He loves to watch us step out of our comfort zones, and step out into the deep," trying something new for His glory. Just like how a loving Father watches His children take their first steps when they learn how to walk. So our Heavenly Father delights in us! He rejoices over us with singing! 🎶🕊️💖

Don't let the world, the past, or the enemy define who you are. Don't allow them to steal your joy and your childlike trust in God. Hold tightly to the Hand of your Heavenly Father who loves you so very much. And He wants to have a high quality relationship with you.

Lyrics: "For Baby," by John Denver 🎶🕊️🔥💖

I'll walk in the rain by your sideI'll cling to the warmth of your handI'll do anything to keep you satisfiedAnd I'll love you more than anybody can

And the wind will whisper your name to meLittle birds will sing along in timeLeaves will bow down when you walk byAnd morning bells will chime

I'll be there when you're feeling downTo kiss away the tears if you cryI'll share with you all the happiness I've foundA reflection of the love in your eyes

And I'll sing you the songs of the rainbowA whisper of the joy that is mineThe leaves will bow down when you walk byAnd morning bells will chime

I'll walk in the rain by your sideI'll cling to the warmth of your tiny handI'll do anything to help you understandAnd I'll love you more than anybody can

And the wind will whisper your name to meLittle birds will sing along in timeLeaves will bow down when you walk byAnd morning bells will chime

💝✝️

Lyrics: "Step by Step," by David Strasser 🎶🕊️🔥💖