Daisies are Weeds Too

Imagine that someone came to you for help. As they share their story with you, they mentioned something that seems insignificant at the moment but hit you later. That in fact, it was exactly what you needed and without even knowing it, that person has now helped you. This happened to me not too long ago. I was helping with prayer ministry, and the woman I was praying for mentioned an old children’s book I used to love by Max Lucado called “You Are Special.” It was a book I needed to revisit and I didn’t realize it. God not only wanted the woman I was praying for to receive his love, he wanted to speak to my heart too.

The book is about a little town filled with wooden people called Wemmicks. They were all created by Eli the woodcarver. All day, every day, they went around judging each other and if they liked you and you were perfect in all that you do, they gave you ‘star stickers.’ However, if you did anything wrong, or your paint was peeling, you receive gray dots from everyone. The main character, Punchanello, only received gray dots from everyone. The others even convinced him that he was not a good person. He was downtrodden and sad.

Have you ever experienced this in your life? I can relate to Punchanello in this story. I felt many dots from my peers. No matter what I did, it felt like I was never right. I took things very personally, and I let them stick, even to the point of taking what others said as the truth of my identity. Then as life went on, and we went our separate ways, I would continue to give myself the “bad marks.” Just like Punchanello, I believed I was not good enough. To be honest, I still struggle with that lie, especially when I live out the lie of performing for others to be loved or accepted. I know this way of thinking is false and not of God. What I do doesn’t lessen what he thinks of me.

For instance, when my superior trusts me with an important duty, I tend to place high and unrealistic expectations on myself for things to run smoothly and perfectly. Anything less than that, I fear disappointing her. Then there is a snowball effect of thinking that for it to be perfect, I need to do it by myself and only myself. I have been quicker in catching myself when this thinking creeps into my mind. I know that I need to let go, give it to God, and allow him and others to help me. Asking for help is not a bad thing. Delegating tasks are part of leadership. As long as I do my best, no one will be disappointed. The gift of imperfection reminds me that I’m never alone and am part of a team. Imperfection is perfectly okay.

In the story, Punchanello meets another Wemmick named Lucia who had no stickers. For some reason, the stickers did not stick to her. He asked her how that was possible and she encouraged him to visit Eli and then he too would discover why the stickers did not stick. He wanted to be like her as he knew that what the other Wemmicks were doing was not right. He did not want other people’s marks.

The next day Punchanello found his way to the workshop and as he spoke with Eli, he was told the secret. “The stickers only stick if you let them. They only stick if they matter to you.”

“The more you trust my love, the less you care about their stickers.”

“Come and see me every day and let me remind you how much I care.”

“Remember, you are special because I made you, and I don’t make mistakes.”

Each time I hear this part of the story, I can hear the voice of God in my heart reminding me of his unconditional love for me. As we spend time each day with our maker, we are reminded that his love is all that matters. When we rest with him, we can let go of the world and focus on him. Even if it is simply sitting in silence in his presence, and allowing him to fill us. It is his love and his truths that we allow to stick. Then, what the world thinks of us does not matter.

Holding onto our identity as sons and daughters of God the Father is so very important. When we let the truths of the Father be the identity we embrace, we experience freedom. Letting others’ opinions go, can be difficult to learn, but it is essential to do so. When we find ourselves struggling with this, we can turn to God and allow him to love us. For instance, when I was younger and in elementary school, I was picked on and was given the nickname “weed.” Until a year and a half ago, I held onto the peer-given identity that I was worthless, ugly, and unloveable. Nobody likes weeds. When I finally turned it all over to God and forgave those former classmates, God whispered his truth to my heart. As I sat outside admiring a bunch of daisies, I heard him say to me, “See, even weeds can be beautiful!” In that instant those lies I had been believing disappeared as I embraced the fact that I am beautiful in God’s eyes and that is what matters most.

So go, spend time with God your maker, and ask him what he thinks of you. Ask “Father, what do you think of me right now?” then sit and listen. His truths will come and they will set you free.

Are you like me and find yourself struggling with knowing your true self? Holding onto the lies of the world as if they are the truth? Pray and consider joining us in November for our I am More checkpoint on our discipleship path as we learn the truths of who are together. We will be preparing our hearts for Christmas learning who we truly are in Him. We are strong. We are capable. We are loved.

Check out “You are Special” on youtube!