#reflect

Embrace Your Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Self

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Life’s journey often takes us through peaks and valleys, challenging us to discover our true selves amidst the chaos. The Bible offers profound wisdom and solace in times of doubt and self-discovery. One such verse, Psalm 139:14, beautifully reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This declaration holds the power to transform the way we perceive ourselves and our purpose. The inspiration this scripture brings causes us to look at our unique selves and how we can lead a more fulfilling and impactful life.

fearfully made


First, recognize God’s Handiwork by reflecting on the profound truth that we are creations of a loving God. Just as an artist pours their heart into their masterpiece, so too has God intricately woven every fiber of our being. Embracing this truth allows us to find beauty in our flaws, strength in our weaknesses, and purpose in every aspect of our lives. Each of us is a masterpiece, and our individuality is a testament to the Creator’s infinite creativity.


Second, we can overcome self-doubt. In a world that often magnifies our imperfections, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. But when we internalize the message of Psalm 139:14, we’re reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our uniqueness isn’t a cause for shame or insecurity; it’s a reason to celebrate. Embracing our strengths and acknowledging our weaknesses with humility allows us to grow and evolve into the best versions of ourselves.

Third, as we learn to embrace our authentic selves, we free ourselves from the pressure to conform to societal norms or others’ expectations. Embracing our authentic selves empowers us to pursue our passions, voice our opinions, and contribute to the world in ways only we can. Our individuality becomes a source of inspiration for others seeking to break free from the shackles of conformity.

Fourth, we can cultivate self-love and compassion by seeing ourselves as God sees us. By recognizing our worth, we open the door to self-love and compassion. Just as the Creator loves us unconditionally, we can learn to love ourselves despite our flaws. This self-love becomes a wellspring of confidence, allowing us to face challenges with resilience and grace. Additionally, as we learn to love ourselves, we extend that love to others, fostering a sense of unity and empathy in our relationships.

Fifth, discovering our purpose is a journey that often requires introspection and self-discovery. Our purpose becomes more apparent when we believe we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are called to use our talents, passions, and experiences to positively impact the world around us. Whether our purpose is found in our careers, relationships, or community service, embracing our uniqueness empowers us to pursue our calling with unwavering dedication.

Psalm 139:14 constantly reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. This affirmation can transform our lives by helping us recognize our inherent worth, embrace authenticity, and pursue our unique purpose. As we journey through life, let’s hold onto this truth, drawing strength from the knowledge that we are cherished creations of a loving Creator. By doing so, we can inspire others to walk confidently in their own unique identities and leave an indelible mark on the world.

Reflect Lately?

~ authorlasharnda ~ 1 Comment

I was out running one morning recently, and as my feet pounded the pavement in the early morningsunset hours, I noticed the sky was a beautiful red and blue color. I didn’t stop; I kept running, trying to get my workout done. However, I felt as though the red was getting redder and the blues bluer as I ran. I still would not stop (I needed to get done). At some point, though, I felt God had been trying to get my attention gently, but because I didn’t listen, it felt as though He yelled, “Stop and look!” So, I did. I stopped and looked at the sky with amazement. I then took out my iPhone and began taking pictures. I posted those pictures to social media, and apparently, more than 100 people felt the same about how beautiful they were. As I viewed those pictures, I was able to reflect on God’s goodness. What a wonderful life I have lived. I thank God every day for blessing my life as He has done, and I want to be and do all that God has called me to be and do.

Like many of you, the last year has caused me to reflect a lot. Not just because of the pandemic, but as you grow older, I think one tends to look at life and wonder if you left the earth today, would you have made a difference. I am not saying that we must make some vast world-changing impact, but I wonder who will miss me when I am not here anymore. I realize initially, people are sad that we are no longer around, but after a while, even they settle into their own lives, and those they have lost may slowly fade into the background. Anyway, as I reflect on my life, I quickly recognize that I have more years behind me than in front.

What about you? Have you reflected lately? Have you thought about how each day you make a ripple effect into the lives of others? I have. Recently a person told me that I made a significant difference in her life years ago. She said that although college was accessible to her, it was just not something she had thought of pursuing until she met me. Today, she holds advanced degrees. As such, I began to think about several people I had encouraged to go to school so that they would have opportunities that may have evaded them otherwise. They did, and those doors opened. They don’t have to give me any credit; that’s not what I am looking for at all. But I will say it makes me feel good that this one person didn’t wait until it was time for my eulogy to let me see that I made a difference.

Person sitting quietly on the edge of a dock watching the sunset

Today, think about how you can impact others in significant ways. As much as people can frustrate, disappoint, and anger us, God calls us to think of others. I know it is hard, but God will make sure to reward you for your acts of selflessness. Remember, we don’t need recognition here on earth; although it is nice, we need to do what God has called us to do and let Him handle the rest. I am confident in saying that I guarantee He will.

Reflect & Connect…

~ authorlasharnda ~ 1 Comment

There has never been a time in my life where I have witnessed so much despair. Isolation might bring out the very worst in some of us when it could help us be better and do better. What a perfect time to connect with ourselves and with God as we quietly reflect on our lives.
connectwithGodDuring these times of isolation, it is so easy to fall into a state of sadness, depression, and maybe even anger. However, we can also choose to look for the lesson in our current situation and try to redirect our thoughts. Think about it, isn’t this the perfect time to see how we can help someone who may be feeling alone, feel loved? Isn’t it an ideal time to take our loneliness and turn it into a tool that can help ourselves and others? One means of doing that is through social media. What an excellent way to reach out to laugh, enjoy the jokes, the comments, the memes, and some of the silliest things people are coming up with just to connect and make life a little more bearable.
I have always believed that there are two types of people; those who see opportunities in messes and those who see the inevitable disaster in them. The people who see the glass half-full and the ones who see it half-empty. I also believe we can choose which of these two we want to be.
Are we going through a difficult time right now? Of course, we are, but what part can we all play in making someone’s life easier? I believe that everything happens for a reason. God is not surprised by what is happening in this world. I look over the last month and see where the things I grew up being taught, came rushing to the forefront of my mind when I needed them.

I recently left a job I loved because I knew, in my heart, that whatever assignment God had for me there was finished. Was it scary? You bet. For a woman who plans everything, did I have a plan? Yes and no. Did I have a well-thought-out strategic plan? No. Did I have a faith-walk plan? Yes. I planned to seek God and to trust God for the next thing. You see, I had begun to feel alone, and I thought that I was losing a little more of myself each day. During the entire time, I felt these various ways, and I had to keep encouraging myself to trust God. I read scripture more desperately, trying to hear from God. I had friends saying to me, trust God. I heard myself staying to myself, I will trust God, but my feelings to move on got more anxious. One day, I said Lord, I am trusting You for the next thing. It was within days of me resigning, that the “next thing” just showed up. It showed up during a time of uncertainty. It showed up during a time when we were shut-in when I was quiet, reflective, and not distracted by other things. It showed up when God had my undivided attention!

theLordismyshepI am about to begin that next chapter. I am excited about what God is doing in my life. More than that, I am excited about what He will do in yours. I am not saying to be foolish. I am saying to take time to connect with God during these days of isolation. Reflect on His goodness so that you are not paralyzed with fear. Look back on where He has brought your from and what He has done in your past. Trust yourself too.
And always remember, “the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”