Validated
It's so cute to see little ones on the playground yelling, "Watch me, Mama!"
Their little faces absolutely light up with joy when they hear "Good job, honey," as Mom yells from the bench, beaming with pride for her little cherub.
Receiving that kind of support and encouragement is critical to build self-esteem and confidence in children.
Unfortunately, not all of us felt that unconditional love when we were young. Many of us experienced a more critical type of parenting, receiving clear messages that we never quite hit the mark worthy of receiving the "good job" validation sticker.
If you grew up with a critical or narcissistic parent, you know all too well the desperation of seeking validation or approval that too often never came.
The root of rejection took hold as we believed the lie that we were not good enough, and we unknowingly developed a pattern of desperately seeking external validation.
"If I _____, then will you _____?"
It's an exhausting exchange that usually leaves us empty and never feeling like we are quite good enough.
If our need for validation was formed in the pit where rejection's root entraps us, no amount of external approval will ever be enough.
The desperate seeking is unending from that place because we believe the lie that no one will ever approve, accept, or believe in us.
So, we keep performing, changing, and disappearing.
God is yelling -ENOUGH ALREADY - can you hear Him?
He is here to remind us that seeking validation elsewhere is a false trail.
Remember that God is right here with us, working with us to pull out this root of rejection we have been working on.
He pulls us up and looks us straight in the eyes again, reminding us that what we seek can and will be found in Him.
In his eyes, we are loved, we are enough, we are forgiven, and we are wanted, just as we are.
When we seek God, we can find all the validation we need.
In accessing the spirit He has given us, we have everything we need within us. Right now.
We don't need more likes, atta girls, applause, or awards.
We are validated. We have the stamp of approval.
We are loved.
And you know what's so awesome? God is yelling at us from that bench so loud everyone can hear, "GOOD JOB, HONEY!"
My face is all lit up with joy, how about you?
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 37: 5-6
Open up before God, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done: He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon.
Acts 17:27
God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Luke 9:25
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit their very self?