IMG 0500Consider how the flowers grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! Luke 12:27 (NETFull)

I am not a flower with velvety petals straining toward the sun, giving my nectar to visiting bees, swaying at the gentlest of winds. I am not a flower that blooms for a lunar cycle only to molder into brown decay. I am not a flower.

People are like a vapor, their days like a shadow that disappears. Psalms 144:4 (NETFull)

I am not a vapor, a mist that wafts above the field when droplets form in a chance gathering. I am not a vapor swirling off to oblivion at the first shift in climate and without a name or a future. I am not a vapor.

Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:14 (NIV)

I am not a worm writhing underground, blind to the whole of life above me. I am not a worm tempting every bird, mole and fish to seize and devour me. I am not a worm.

I am a child of God, adopted into his holy family. My mission is to stand against gales of worldly opinion and remain stalwart at every temptation. I breathe that I might never bow to those enemies of Christ—hate, lies and death. I am God’s own eternal warrior.

My Father planned my existence before the stars were born. I am his dream incarnated into a permanent offspring. He appointed works that should fill my timely sojourn on earth.

Because of who my Father is, I am an elevated being. Fear is not my master, it bows to me. I inherit co-ownership of all he possesses. My father gave me dominion over creation and the wisdom necessary for husbandry. I seek his purposes. I embrace his commands.

I am not a flower. I am not a vapor. I am not a worm. I am a loved child as declared by the Lord, my Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Prayer: Father of mine, may I stand tall beside you.