Don’t Despise Yourself
by Dean Gardner
I recently looked out into our back garden, and saw a male robin perched in a tree near to the window, in the side of our garage. I was bemused, and then concerned, as I saw him repeatedly flying at the window glass. Although he didn’t seem to be injuring himself, it saddened me to see the little bird repeating the same behaviour throughout that day and each day that followed.
I searched on the internet to see if others had observed birds behaving in a similar manner. The general consensus of opinion was that such behaviour occurs with the male birds of some territorial species such as robins, who seeing their own reflection in a window think it is a male rival that they need to chase away. The behaviour lasts as long as the bird’s mating instincts are awakened.
As I watched that poor robin trapped in his repetitive behaviour I couldn’t help but remember the times in my own life when I persistently attacked and rejected my own image – the very person God had created me to be.
In the early days of my healing journey He gave me the words of a song, which, to this day, minister to my spirit when I sing them to myself. Perhaps they will help someone who is reading this Seed today.
Don’t despise yourself.
You’re wonderfully made.
Don’t despise yourself.
You’re precious to me.
Don’t think it’s what you do for me
That causes Me to love you.
Don’t think I find it hard to let you near.
Don’t think I find more joy in others.
Don’t run from Me, and hide away in fear.
Receive My love.
My child I really love you.
Receive my love.
Don’t hide away in fear. (Dean Gardner 1994)
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word that tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Please help me to receive that truth deep into my heart, to accept myself as You accept me and to see myself as You see me, unique and precious in Your sight. Amen.
Dean Gardner worked part time in the Ellel Grange Ministry Office for four and a half years until October 2018 and is now part of the Associate teaching and ministry team. He now lives in Norfolk with his wife Gemma. In 1988 he experienced God`s amazing grace at a carol service and began a journey of restoration and healing with Jesus. He longs to continue that journey allowing God`s truth to change his own life but also to share that truth with others that they too might know Jesus for themselves.
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