The Scarlet Thread

I’ve always been intrigued by the story of Rahab. We knew who Rahab was before we even knew her name. She's introduced to us as the harlot, Rahab. How many times do we label someone by their sin and not their name? That's why this story is so beautiful. It's full of faith and redemption. Yes, there was probably plenty of  people who were more “suitable” for this position in God’s plan but none of them would have compared to this story. God chose her. He saw her and knew her faith would be great. I’m sure when she woke up that morning she didn’t plan to have two spies stay at her house, to lie to the king’s servants, to risk her life and her family’s life for two absolute strangers.

One of my favorite things about this story is that she knew God was behind this entire thing. She had never experienced the same miracles and blessings that the Isrealites had, she had only heard of them. Listen to what she says to the spies in Joshua 2:11 ..and as soon  as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

He is God. She knew who her Savior was. The moment that she opened that door her life would be changed. She showed her obedience and confidence, not only in the spies but with God, by placing that scarlet thread in the window (Joshua 2:21). She would no longer be the harlot of the story but a huge part in the lineage of King David (Matthew 1:5). Because of her actions she wove a thread throughout the Bible that would tie into the bigger scheme of things.

Hebrews 11:31 

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient..

James 2:24-25 

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

This step of faith was only the beginning for Rahab. She’s the perfect example of letting your faith outshine your past. The scarlet thread saved her that day. It redeemed her. Quite similar to the blood of Jesus that redeemed our own sins and still does today. When God asks of something from you, how will you respond? Will you step out in faith? Will you change the course of your life? Will you without a doubt simply know that He is God? Remember Rahab most certainly was fearful but she knew this God she had heard so much about would be with her and would sustain her and He will do the same for you.

Loving the Girl in the Mirror

"Love the skin you're in." People tell us to love the person we see in the mirror on a daily basis, but if you're like me, they're words that go in one ear and out the other.

The world bombards us with lies. We're not worthy enough, thin enough, fit enough, smart enough, or pretty enough. We're just not enough. And all too often, it's the voice you listen to because it's the loudest. It's the images we see on the make-up commercials, the magazine covers we skim in the check-out line, and the words we hear/read when we're on the internet.

I've struggled with adult acne that came out of nowhere this past year and it's been the biggest internal/external battle I've faced yet. The world tells me that I need to cover up and hide. It tells me that I'm not good enough and no one will ever find me attractive. The world tells me I need to try harder or give up all together.

I listened to the world for some time, too. I didn't leave the house without make-up. I hid underneath scarves and hoodies with collars. I wore my hair down to detract attention to the imperfections on my cheeks.

But to be honest, trying to be "good enough" wasn't doing anything for me. My skin wasn't any clearer and I was finding an unhealthy dependence on make-up to feel confident in my own skin. And that's when I realized that the world will always tell us we're not enough and that we need to try harder. We need to try harder so we can find success, acceptance, and beauty.

But we have two voices to listen to. We can listen to the world or we can listen to Jesus. And it all comes down to choice--we've got to choose the One that will feed us, sustain us, and truly fulfill our longing hearts. The world says we're not enough but God tells us the exact opposite. He tells us that it doesn't matter that we have scars on our bodies or in our hearts. He tells us that we're beautiful. Made in His image and loved beyond measure. He tells us we're

The voice may not be the loudest in our lives, but it's the Truth and it's the voice I'm tuning my ear to listen for. 

Thank you all for returning to our last week of Beautiful You. It's been quite the journey and we hope you were encouraged & empowered. Never forget what you've read the past few weeks & never forget your worth. Also, If you would like to read more from today's beautiful guest, Kiki, click here!