I left the college talent show audition with my head down and walked across the crowded conference center. Not really wanting to see anyone I knew, I found a secluded patio and decided to lay low and nurse my wounds. I had never done well with rejection.
Trying to work through my feelings, I sat on one of the benches, leaned my head back, and closed my eyes. After a couple of minutes, I sighed heavily and opened my eyes. To my surprise, an older woman was right in front of me, staring right into me.
“I’m sorry if I startled you,” she said with a British accent, “May I sit for a moment?”
“Sure,” I replied, wondering if that was the best course of action.
She sat and smiled. “There’s something God wants you to know.”
“Ok,” I replied cautiously.
“You are unique and loved by God. He has very special plans for your life.”
She smiled once again, stood, and walked away. Suddenly encouraged, I left to find my friends.
That evening, while sitting with 2,000 college students, I watched as that same lady was introduced as the main speaker for the evening. Slowly she walked to the front of the stage, looked slowly across the audience, and said, “I am here tonight to tell you something very important. You should never forget it. You are unique and loved by God.”
I have long since forgotten the name of the woman, but her words remain. I think of them often when I feel discouraged. They’re true for me and true for you as well.
You are unique and loved by God.
Photo by Averie Woodard, courtesy of Unsplash
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