Newsletter Edition
Golden Child - December 20, 2010
Golden Child Video and Text
Kelly Swanson - December 20, 2010
He was the golden child. Many families have one though they are often hesitant to admit it. The one with talents and gifts beyond measure. Wherever he went people noticed. They were attracted to him as if hoping if they got close enough he would rub off. Whenever his parents looked at him they saw everything they had done right. He was the golden child.
She was the other one – awkward, heavy – with the leg that dragged the ground. Wherever she went people tried not to stare or get too close as if somehow she might rub off. If her parents looked at her they saw everything she wasn't. They saw everything the world saw. She was the other one.
And so it came as no surprise that she did not feel beautiful, or worthy. She did not feel as if she belonged.Because when she looked into the mirror she saw herself as they did. Until she met Him – her creator - Her father – her heavenly Father. Until she saw herself as He saw her - Beautiful, blameless, righteous, Worthy, His creation. Just as He designed her to be.
And from the very moment she whispered those two words that would forever change the course of her life – “I believe” – she was his. She belonged. And she no longer saw herself as they did, but as He did - through His eyes - the one who had made her and loved her just the way she was. And she danced for Him, just as He had created her to do.
And when she danced there were no words to describe what others saw. This heavy awkward woman – the most unexpected choice – was transformed. For when she danced it was so beautiful, so touching that you did not see her, you saw Him. You felt Him wrap you up. When she danced for Him you felt His love and His grace. When she danced for Him it was as if you were seeing the very hands and feet of God. And in that moment we saw ourselves as He sees us - beautiful, blameless, worthy, loveable - just the way we are. We saw Him - asking nothing more than that we believe. And when she danced, we believed.
Those who knew her could not understand why He would take her so soon and so quick. Those who knew her could not understand why her family never once came to see her - not even at the end. Those who knew her could not understand how something so beautiful could have been so close and they would miss it. Those who knew her could not understand that family sitting there on the front row at the funeral, awkward and uncomfortable, as if even being here was too much to do for the other one. Those who knew her could not let this moment pass to one more time see her dance.
And though the film was grainy, and hard to hear and the quality was low in budget, there she was, dancing across the screen – one more time. And those who knew her could almost hear the rustle of the angels’ wings welcoming her home, as she danced into her father’s arms.
Those who knew her could not understand how even then her parents missed it. They did not see her for who she was. They saw her for who she wasn't. They saw her as the world saw her.
But not him - not the golden child. For from the very first moment she came onto the screen, she took his breath away as he watched his sister dance. And saw her as God saw her. And in so doing saw himself for who he really was. For as he watched the scene that would play in his head for the rest of his life, he realized that his sister was and always had been the golden child – and he, in fact, had been the other one.
What about you? When you look in the mirror do you see yourself as they do? Or do you see yourself as He does? Beautiful, blameless, worthy of His love and adoration. Good enough.
Do you see His hand outstretched asking you to take it? That's all. Just take it. And hold on tight.
All He asks is that you believe Him – that you believe what He tells you – that you trust in His promises – that you believe that man on the cross was His son and died for you – that you believe without Him you do not live.
Take His hand. Your father's. The one who asks nothing more than that you believe. And dance for Him. He'll do the rest
And it will be hard. You will pick up the mirror and hear that voice. Their voices. Telling you what you aren't. Don't listen to them. They are liars and deceivers intent on bringing you down. Pick up the mirror and hear Him. Write it down. Make a list. Go through your Bibles and list everything He says you are. Post it in your house and at your office. Remind yourself over and over every day until you believe it. Until you really start acting on it.
When you see your identity in Christ there is no stopping you. Get ready for the dance of your life. It's time to stop being the other one and be His golden child.
