When is the last time you heard something like that? When is the last time you said anything like that?
Mister Fred Rogers was a children's advocate and, his show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" created a safe, gentle way for younger kids to learn about practical life by utilizing unique and colorful characters to play out real-life scenarios that help kids know what to do in those situations. Many years ago, I found myself mocking the show as I got 'too old' for it. The funny thing is you're never too old for the wisdom he teaches.
“You’ve made this day a special day by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you and I like you just the way you are.” — Mister Rogers”
Think about his famous statement for a minute. I've re-read it several times now. When is the last time you heard something like that? In a song about somebody else?
When is the last time you said anything like that? When was the last time you felt secure in yourself to actually tell somebody that? Do you realize if you tell somebody you care about how you truly feel about them, you will feel a release in your own soul; that you will experience a new level of freedom?
There were times, when I was down, down, down in the throes of anxiety-riddled depression, I was so thankful and outgoing with people that I acted like a "happy drunk." Do you know what I mean? It was really odd to me because I used to be a "happy drunk" when I was an alcoholic. It seemed like God was taking me on a journey through time because He wanted me to see the patterns of behavior that the devil had me in ... "The Hamster Wheel of Hell." (If God takes you on a journey through time, it's not for condemnation, but for revelations, confessions, and healing.)
God wanted to reveal the ways mankind's and Satan's lies got me twisted up in my thinking and in my behaviors so I could help others get out of the same situations. God wants us free to live the life He has called us to live. If we are living in compromise and deliberate sin (rebellion against God's will for our lives), how can we be blessed as He wants us to be? As we want to be? Believe me, He wants you blessed more than you do! His plans for your life requires blessing you so you can bless others.
So, here's the deal: so many times when we are hurt and feeling weak, we often have stinky thoughts like, "I can't say nice things about people because they might think I'm strange," or "Why should I say something nice when nobody says anything nice to me?" I know you might feel like just getting out of bed might be a monumental task, but you must!
The truth of the matter is this -- Jesus made you to be the difference maker, the peacemaker, the change you want to see in the world all wrapped up in one powerful person who is strong in the Lord and the power of His might!
The world needs you to go and teach them what you are learning -- that Jesus loves us all and He died for us to have a relationship with Father God and be filled with His Holy Spirit so we can accomplish all He set us out to accomplish. You have been given another chance. Help others take advantage of their opportunity. God will always turn everything around for our good. He wants to take your mistakes, tragedies, and abuses and turn them into experiences of strength and hope.
You can do this! You must do this! The world is waiting just for you because there are people rooting for you to succeed where others have failed. You will not fail. God is with you. God never fails. Remain in Him and you will succeed.
God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way.
I assure you ... things are going to get better because the best is yet to come.
Prayer
Father God in Heaven, words cannot express how thankful I am for Your mercy on me, Your patience with me, and Your love for me. How can I even explain how I'm feeling sometimes and You know exactly what I'm gong through and already have a plan for me to come out of it and to live in victory! You are amazing just the way You are, Lord! I ask that You would help me learn to accept the way things are right now, knowing that things are going to not simply 'get better,' but You want to bring me to such a place of maturity that I cannot even comprehend it right now. Help me to have the kind of hope and tenacity I need for this time of my life. There are times when I'm going to be swept under the waves, yet You keep me afloat in hope and love. Your love is perfect, Your love is great! Lead me beside quiet waters and give me rest from my worries and fears. In Jesus' holy name I pray, amen.