BECOME... New

On the outside things looked great: college grad, amazing family, a career I was passionate about. But on the inside, I was trapped in comparison, people-pleasing, and wavering self-worth based on my physical appearance, résumé accomplishments, and attention from guys. I was aching to be noticed and wanting to be liked because that's where I found my value. I was exhausted trying to "keep face" and make MY dreams and plans happen. When a serious hip injury took away what I thought was THE ultimate joy, dancing on stage, I questioned why God would do this to me?

Like any good father, He wanted to show me a better way and my stubborn heart needed a big wake-up call. God's love is faithful and never changes based on my performance. He saw me in my absolute mess and still claimed me as His own. For the first time, I grieved and confessed how I had sinned against my Heavenly Father. I trusted that God sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross IN MY PLACE and rose again defeating death so that I could be with Him forever! I've experienced that on my own I fail. Big time. Instead when I seek His way and His will I have steadfast joy, peace, and purpose. My value is no longer defined by my performance. It is rooted in what He calls me: beloved, blameless, and beautiful. I am His daughter, created and chosen to use my gifts for His glory, not mine, and I want Him to have it all. He has given me new life. He is my greatest treasure. He is worthy of it all.

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

-Galatians 2:20

—Lauren Johnson