Good Word of the Day: Precious
Precious. I saw this word multiple times last week as you responded to my “Life” Good Word. (If you didn’t get a chance yet to read that post, please do so now so you can get the full background for our Good Word today. Click here: Good Word: LIFE.)
I most often discern what the new Good Word is each week when I see or hear it used repeatedly. I see it in scripture, hear it in conversations, see it in my reading. I let that word sink into my soul and discern if this is a word you might need to embrace too.
You can’t help think the word “Precious” when you look into the tiny face of a newborn baby, like the photo I included last week of my sister’s new granddaughter, Stella Ruby.
It’s easy to believe how precious our own children and grandchildren are. We tell them often how loved and special they are to us. We hold them close and cherish those moments. (This is a photo of me years ago with our first granddaughter, Leah, who is almost 10 now!) We are now awaiting the arrival of our fifth grandchild within the next few weeks. That little boy is precious and we can’t wait to meet baby Isaac Allen.
We know how precious children are in our church or community. But the fact is, ALL children of the world are precious because God made them all. (Feel free to sing now, “Red and yellow black and white…)
I remember having the following conversation several years ago on the other side of the world:
“They don’t know.”
“They don’t know what?”
“They don’t know how precious their children are.”
My She Is Safe Indonesian co-worker and friend answered my question. I had asked her why the rate of child sexual abuse was so high in her area of the country. And that was her response. “They don’t know how precious their children are.” (The link to this story is listed below.)
How can you look at this sweet face and not believe how precious she is?
This same truth applies to each of us too. When you look in the mirror, is your first reaction to say, “I am marvelous, precious, loved.” No… most likely we say, “Ugh… What a mess. I need a makeover,” or something even less complimentary. But, yes, you are a most loved, treasured child of God, even on your most unlovable days you are still precious to Him.
Wednesday in the Word
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13.
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1.
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
Share Your Good Words
How do we live in a way that demonstrates life is precious? What can we do to add value to all life? Please share your thoughts and insights.
Good Unseen People
Photo: She Is Safe
The following excerpt is from a story that will be included in my upcoming book, Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life with Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the link below to see the progress of the book.
Part of my work as Country Director for Indonesia involved gathering stories in the areas where we work. Each time I went, I heard stories of little girls, who often times were considered the lowest of society —overlooked, undernourished, uneducated and good only for caring for the home and for one day producing Indonesian sons. I heard how those girls were violently violated by male members in their homes and villages. And it made me angry, and sad and sick to my stomach. And I thought of these sweet faces and couldn't imagine how anyone could bring harm to them.
Read the whole story: Precious
Good Words I Recommend
A Good Song Selah-How Deep the Father's Love For Us
A Good Nonprofit: She Is Safe Discover why she is priceless and how you can let her know.
A Good Book: Daughters of Hope, by Kay Marshall Strom (Author), Michele Rickett (Author)
Some of the links above are associate links. That means, when you click and purchase, I receive a small percentage of that sale. Those funds, as well as funds from paid subscribers, support my writing this piece each week. Thank you! I commit to forwarding a minimum of 10% to the amazing nonprofits: She Is Safe and The Red Cord. They help raise awareness of sex trafficking. They help prevent, rescue and restore victims to new life.
A Final Good Word
I completed the blog referenced above with these words:
So… love them. All of them. Not just your own, but children everywhere. They are all in need of love. To be cherished. And to know that they are… precious.
Let’s do that. Let’s be the people who live like they are created and loved by God. Let’s hold our children and loved ones close because life is precious, fleeting and unpredictable. Let’s reach out in tangible ways to let the unloved and unseen know that they are precious, chosen and loved.
How will you do that today?
I’d love to hear from you. This is your chance to share with me whatever is on your heart today. Please share:
Contact me privately: deannalynnsanders@gmail.com.
Thank you for taking your time to read my words. And if you would, please share a good word with someone today. Invite others into our Good Word community.
Gratefully yours,
Good Word today DeAnna! Precious. Today we are participating in a memorial service for a young man who was brutally murdered in our community 10 years ago. How I wish everyone felt that ALL life is precious. I am so grateful that God considers us all precious as His children.
Thank you, friend. Yes, ALL life is precious. And fleeting. And good.
I appreciate your encouragement.