Sunday, my family and I went to a potluck gathering with 7 other families. And honestly, I didn’t want to be there. I was struggling with my ability to parent my soon-to-be 12 year-old son. I felt weak emotionally and spiritually.
I enjoyed good conversation with a couple of my friends. Then watched the kids fill up water guns and get all wet. I noticed my daughter, Hannah who is 7, sitting off in the distance, just watching. My heart broke.
My friend, Terry and I started reminiscing about our own childhood. We both remember being like Hannah, cautious in large groups. We felt shy and insecure during our childhood years and both recall being the last person or two chosen for team games like Red Rover. That rejection hurts. I grieved hoping that was not my daughter’s reason for just watching. Hopefully she just didn’t want to get wet.
“Aren’t you glad we are chosen by the King?” Terry said.
“Yes!” I replied as my eyes filled with tears hidden behind my sunglasses.
I’m amazed at my God, He spoke through Terry’s nine words to encourage me and remind me of my true worth. And to think I wanted to stay home. I would’ve missed that precious truth from God.
As much as I shy away from group settings, I realize more and more how much I need the body of Christ. I cannot do this faith journey without others. I need the one-on-ones and the group settings. Others are strong when I am weak and vice versa. I believe that is why God in Genesis 3:18, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Solitude yes, isolation no!
I send out the same truth to all of you, ” You are chosen by the King.” Rejoice!
as i write this comment I’m brought to tears, and I don’t even know why, other than feeling your pain and experiencing the same emotions! i really felt your sincerity in this prose, keep on keeeping onnnnnnnnnn………….
This is a wonderful post. It is such a huge truth to KNOW, really know, we are chosen by the KING! Thanks for posting, Tiffany.
I really like your blogger site. It’s very incourouing to me and everyone. BEST MOM IN THE GALAXY!!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.
FROM YOUR SON,
Justin Stuart
Tiffany,
It is a blessing to know that a simple truth can be so powerful. It really doesn’t matter if we are ever chosen for anything on this earth becuase the king of kings has chosen us for his own! I am blessed to be “God’s princess” with you! love you, Terry
Tiffany,
I can certainly identify with your experience of being chosen last in school. The only other girl who was usually standing at the end with me was Jackie, who was overweight and not at all good at physical activities. She didn’t seem to have any friends, so one day I decided to be her friend. I found her on the playground and asked if she wanted to play with me. You wouldn’t believe the big, warm smile that grew across her round, freckled face. We were friends through from 4th to 6th grade. In junior high we lost touch because we didn’t have any classes together. Jackie has never come back to any of our class reunions, but I have had some communication with her. She is married with 2 children and incredibly happy. She said her husband is “round” like her and the kids too. Most importantly she shared with me that she is a Christian and very active in her church. How awesome that she too has been chosen by the King. We are sisters in Christ! I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it was God’s prompting that led me to ask her to play with me and be my friend! What a friend we have in Jesus!
God bless you Tiffany for reminding me that being chosen by the King is so much more important than being chosen for softball!
Love, Carol