The Princess Within As a little girl my Dad used to call me "Princess Summer Fall Winter Spring", The name of an Indian Princess on the Howdy Doodey Show. It seemed to fit as the name covered the full range of seasons, depicting my personality quite well. This name almost a prophecy for the many seasons I would experience in my life -- full of blessings and tragedies too. Yet through it all, I would discover the treasure of who I really am. It seem like most of my life I have struggled with insecurity, false guilt, and perfectionism. It's no mystery. I have suffered the pains of a wounded heart resulting from broken relationships and trust.  I have also endured the pains of physical wounds from numerous health problems that effect my abilities and have even left ugly scars from the many operations that I have had. These being some of the sources that contributed to my "low self-eteem". When I was in high school I had a teacher who once said I was "the picture of apathy".  How contrary to the desire of my heart that my life would be a portrait of the love of Christ found there. The blank expression on my face was a result of my being consumed by the flames of negativity and crisis at home.  I cared very much indeed.  But I was exhausted, hurting and overwhelmed.  Words are very powerful. And although I was a Christian I was not always believing the precious words that God whispered so sweetly to me in His Word. Sometimes when I read the Bible I was comforted greatly.  But then, quite honestly, there were times when I didn't feel like they were making any impact on me or my situation at all. I did accept Jesus into my heart as a very little girl and I treasured God's Living Word. So I clung to them and expected His promises to be true, even if I could not yet understand them.  In fact, the Words of God, found in His Holy Bible, have proven to me to offer life and hope. Reflecting back,  I can certainly see how very much they really did impact my life. They have renewed my soul, soothed my hurting heart, and been a light to guide me. I have since learned to view myself as God views me. . . unblemished, lovely, flawless.  I know on the surface this is not true, nor is it the true condition of my heart.  Even so, my Creator, views me as a perfect creation.  My Lord Jesus Christ has given me my identity and I have been created in His image.  I am holy and dearly loved.  I am precious and honored in his sight.  My sins have been made whiter than snow. When I focus on His precepts and His promises I remember these truths.  Although I don't always "feel" wonderful about myself I must remember that it isn't all about "me" anyway. Yes, I am valuable and my feelings and needs are important.  But with a proper focus on the holiness of Christ my needs are put in perspective and His peace can rule in my heart. Christ Jesus presents me to my Abba, my Heavenly Father, who  also has a special name for me, a secret name written in love on a white stone in Heaven. When He whispers my name so sweetly, I can hear it now and recognize the voice of my Father in Heaven who calls to me and says... "Listen, O daughter, consider... The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord . . . All glorious is the princess within." Psalm 45:10-13 Yes, the picture is of me when I was almost 4 years old.