Nothing is crueler than a school playground. Nothing is more devaluing than being chosen last for a team.
During my fourth grade of school, our family left Zambia to return to Tennessee for a year of furlough. Of all my experiences that year, I remember most the process of choosing teams for kickball. Each team had a captain who would take turns choosing from the class until every child was chosen.
The experience was humiliating as I was always the last chosen: waiting with my head down, daring to hope, yet having those hopes crushed day after day. The only exception was the one time my solitary friend was captain. Relief that I was not the last standing on the playground overshadowed any sense of joy from being chosen.
Over the years, I have discovered my identity and self-esteem based on how God views me. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “You are a chosen people….a people belonging to God, so that you might declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
In Deuteronomy 7:7, we read that God did not chose the Hebrew people because of their numbers, but because He loved them and was keeping his promise to them.
God didn’t choose me because I can run fast or kick a home run! He didn’t’ chose me because I am holy. He ‘chose me before the creation of the world TO BE holy and blameless.” He chose me ‘out of his own pleasure and will’! (Ephesians 1:4) God chose me just because He loves me and He makes me holy through the work of his Son.
I remind myself that it doesn’t’ matter that I was not chosen for a job I desired. I will not base my self worth on whether I have been chosen to be a part of the ‘in group’, chosen to speak or chosen to attend a party.
God has chosen me. He loves ME! I am on his team!
The best part is: he didn’t choose me based on the process of elimination. He chose me before the beginning of time.
That makes me feel pretty special!!!!
Shanda, I remember that same playground feeling well. I knew I wasn't popular, but that constant anxiety still likes to creep up and tell me I'm not good for anything. Thank you for speaking truth about how God views us. I still struggle with my identity in Christ, but I know that no matter how much I may doubt it, that doesn't change the reality of who I am in Him. Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteYou are special - I know it. sandie
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I often have to remind myself of that same principle. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis is very encouraging, Shanda! And it's a message needed by so many of us. Thank you for showing us your scars and sharing the victory.
ReplyDeleteBlessings my friend!
Pam at www.2encourage.blogspot.com
Hi Shanda - He has chosen you to be a great blessing to us who read about your heart. God bless, coming back later to join the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteTracy
I was chosen last in school teams also, it is tough! God does not work that way, Thankfully
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I also remember being chosen last and sometime 3rd or 2nd last for school teams. It was terrible. Thanks God he doesn't choose in that way! I second the one above who said God has chosen you to be a blessing to us. You have been given a sphere of influence now through your childhood experiences and upbringing to reach and touch many for Christ. Praise His name :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's true, people can rob us of our significance, but He makes us significant by choosing us before we were even born. Why we want more than that is beyond me, but I'm guilty too :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteYes, Ma'am! Jesus is right good for my self esteem, too! :)
ReplyDeleteyes, i love that His choosing me has absolutely nothing to do with. . . ME. what security. what peace. He is good.
ReplyDeletethat is the worst feeling...being last to be picked...i know it all too well!
ReplyDeleteoh well...Jesus knows us and loves us, that's all that matters!! :D
Hi Shanda!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I've been thinking about how God is a God who invites. I love that thought. He reaches out to us. He invites us into His kingdom. I hope I can mirror Him in this way.
I love that you were in Africa. My sister in law just returned E. Africa after three years.
Blessings,
Mel
Amen, amen, amen. Isn't it wonderful to know we are chosen?
ReplyDeleteYour post brings to mind my sixth grade year and choosing teams for softball. (I moved to Alabama temporarily with my Mom so she could help her aging parents.) I wasn't good at softball, therefore I was always chosen last, so I understand how you felt.
Blessings,
Joan
Very much needed today, Shanda. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI love this, Shanda....a great reminder that we are His and we are loved, not because of who we are or what we can do, but because He chose us first. Thank you for encouraging once again...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true what God's Word says about us regardless of the enemy's accusations. I want to walk in this all the time!
ReplyDeleteI totally loved your thoughts today. I read a book entitled; "Defined by Christ" which taught me much. I know that my Heavenly Father does love me and I am his child as we all are. We should never let others define who we are.
ReplyDeleteBlessing to you for a great post!
Love, love this post. Can't figure out the back link to join the blog hop. The explanation doesn't come up when I click on it. Help!! I want to join.
ReplyDelete"He didn’t choose me based on the process of elimination. He chose me before the beginning of time."
ReplyDeleteI love that part.
Thank you for these (and other) words today, Shanda!
Amen Shanda! So glad we are chosen by the only Captain that truly matters! Blessings this day. ~ jen
ReplyDeleteI love when you wrote this "God has chosen me. He loves ME! I am on his team." Praise the Lord that I am on His team...the one that never loses! Great post today!!
ReplyDeleteThis just warmed my heart: The best part is: he didn’t choose me based on the process of elimination. He chose me before the beginning of time.
ReplyDeleteYes, oh to be chosen. Oh to be complete and worthy in Him. Amen.
I am so thankful that God has chosen me! The only one that truly matters!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder today that I was choosen before i was even born!
ReplyDeleteLove to you new friend!
CHOSEN! What a great feeling!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the choosing doesn't rest on me. To be the bride, the princess, the prom queen it's the desire in the heart of all of us isn't it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful ending to this story! He loves us for who we are--who He made us to be. Grace is such a beautiful thing. Loved this one, Shanda! I'll have to check out your blog hop explanation, as I've never done one before!
ReplyDeleteI think so many of us can identify with your story. How comforting to know that God's love is unconditional. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this post so very much! Kids can be cruel at times. I am happy you discovered that you are CHOSEN in Christ! His love is everlasting and we are special to Him.
ReplyDeleteI remember those feelings of getting picked last during recess or P. E. Those feelings of insecurity and rejection followed me into adulthood, but I'm thankful for the Bible that reminds me that God chose me because He wanted to!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Chosen for sure...and for keeps! Loved it!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, well said!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win...since our daughter and son-in-law are in the process of adopting from Uganda!!! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
ReplyDeleteAmen!! Oh, I could have been right there with you on the playground--I remember that feeling well! But for Him to choose us, with all our faults and foibles--that's glory, isn't it? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking to Grace Imparted! It's wonderful to meet you!!