When I was young one of my favourite films was Snow White. Not because of the hapless and pretty Snow White, but because of the evil queen. 
I remember her looking into the mirror: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all. Mae West once said ‘I used to be Snow White, but then I drifted’ ! You certainly couldn’t get more different than the queen and Snow White, but as much as she scared me half to death I thought she was fabulous.
Looking in the mirror can be a scary business. Are we honest about what we see? Are we accepting of what we see? The queen certainly wasn’t. She needed to be the best in order to feel secure. Do we?
In my experience I’ve learned that I don’t need to feel like I’m the best when I feel that I’m unconditionally loved. My security is bound up in my relationships with Jesus and those that I love, not in any self judgement I may have. And so it should be! I believe that you are loved beyond your wildest imaginings by the most Awesome God. You were created on purpose. For a purpose. Your Spirit is the same Spirit that’s found in Jesus Christ because he gave it to you. Our worth and value are intrinsically bound up in who we are, not what we do; In who God says we are, and not the judgement of those who judge on face value and not the contents of a heart.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made! You are a star – made to shine! You are the handiwork of God, created to love and serve God. You are amazing! The Psalmist wrote: I thank you because I am awesomely made,wonderfully; your works are wonders — I know this very well. (Psalm 139:14).
But, do you let your light shine? Do you let the world see who you really are – bearing in mind that the world doesn’t always adore God’s work? Do you give of yourself in service, in this community and the wider community? No? Then, why not?
I am reminded of Marianne Williamson’s wonderful poem:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others
I pray this week you look in the mirror and ask the question “Who am I?” For the answer is “You are amazing, you are worthy, and you are loved”, – and it all starts there.
Love
Rev. Michael