Deny Oneself?

I was reading this morning, and came upon a quote that well worded thoughts I have been trying to distill.  Naomi Zachariah has written an article about her current experiences helping women and children escape who are caught in the sex trafficking industry.

She writes, "What does it mean to deny oneself? I think the call of Christ went to a greater depth than even our selfishness. I believe the choice to look at life's pain, both our own and that of another, affords one of the greatest gifts to life. When we see each individual as a life created by God, and therefore with intrinsic value and honor, we find the convergence of the denial of self, following Christ, and meaningful life. We are then handed glasses into depths of our soul and that of another - and offered a window into the heart of God."

I had blogged last year my thoughts on denying self and following Jesus as coming to understand who we are and being set free from our selfish lives. I'm adding to my thinking today that seeing and treating others as who they really are in God's mind, helps set them free to be who God intents as well. As so many have spoken worth and value to me and helped heal and free me, I speak worth and value to others with the same outcome. And it is a part of denying myself.

Going on the missions trips I have gone on have helped me to look at life's pain outside the United States. The connections one makes with people living in totally different situations from ours, the mutual respect, value and honor we bestow on each other has been amazing to be a part of. It has also helped me to deny myself, follow Christ and find meaningful life.

In my teaching, I speak and give worth, value and honor to each child as I respond to them as God's priceless artwork. As I start the new year and return to school, I pray I speak and treat each child in my care with great respect and honor, even in the midst of training and correction. I love each one of them, and I pray I show that well.

I'm continuing to study portrait drawing today remembering the value and honor of each human being God has created. My new book is helpful.  Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law, I was able to purchase it for Christmas. I'll post a picture before I take Virginia to the airport.

Virginia leaves today.....that makes me feel sad.