Beyond the Surface: Discovering My Worth in the Creator, Not the Creation
Growing up, we all strive to find our place in this world, desperately trying to fit in somewhere. It can feel like every atom of our being is under constant scrutiny. For me, I always felt like I didn’t belong. No matter how hard I tried, I was never validated by those around me. I remember standing in P.E. during team selections, always the last to be picked—the girl no one wanted but had to settle for. Those experiences planted seeds of insecurity in my heart, and I struggled with low self-esteem throughout my childhood.
As I grew older, my features began to change, and I “peaked” in high school, as some might say. I discovered a new side of myself—one that began to receive attention. At first, it was intoxicating. I started looking in the mirror, repeating affirmations to the universe, asking for more beauty, and seeking validation in my appearance. The world’s narrative of self-love captivated me, and I believed the lie that my worth was tied to how others perceived me. Compliments poured in, boys developed crushes, and people began treating me differently. On social media, my following grew, and with it, the attention I craved. But deep down, I was empty.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." – Proverbs 31:30
I tried to fill the void with more attention, more likes, more comments. Yet, the praise of the world was hollow, leaving me drained and dissatisfied. Despite being shy and reserved by nature, I was caught in a whirlwind of external validation that suffocated my spirit. I decided to delete my social media accounts and start over, longing for a smaller, more meaningful community. However, the attention didn’t stop. I was still surrounded by people who admired me, but I began to realize that I wasn’t being seen for who I truly was.
The pursuit of worldly validation led me down a path of vanity. I became obsessed with meeting society’s beauty standards. I caked my face with makeup, wore tight crop tops, and indulged in endless beauty routines. Yet, despite all my efforts, I felt a growing emptiness inside.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." – Romans 12:2
As I matured, I realized that the attention I sought was not the kind I needed. I wanted people to see me—the real me. I am an intelligent, talented, and unique individual, and I yearned for others to value me for my heart and mind rather than my outward appearance. All along, what I truly craved was to be seen, known, and loved, but I had been searching for it in the wrong places.
God, in His infinite mercy, was quietly working on me all along. He was refining me, transforming me from that insecure little girl into the confident, godly woman I am today. I stopped seeking validation from the world, abandoning the empty rituals of self-love and manifestation, and instead gave everything to God.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." – Jeremiah 1:5
As I drew closer to God, it was as if the blinds that had been covering my eyes fell away. I began to see clearly for the first time. My worth wasn’t tied to how others perceived me—it was rooted in the unchanging truth that I am the daughter of the Creator of all things. God’s validation became the only validation I needed.
Now, I carry myself with elegance and modesty. I speak with grace and confidence. My style reflects my femininity and class, but my true beauty comes from within—a beauty rooted in God’s love for me. I no longer seek the approval of others because I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, cherished by the One who formed me.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." – 1 Peter 3:3-4
Through God, I have found freedom. I no longer need to prove myself to anyone. My value doesn’t come from compliments or social media followers—it comes from the fact that I am His. He created me with intention, purpose, and love. I now know that true self-worth is not found in the mirror but in His Word.
"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7
Today, I walk in the confidence that comes from knowing who I am in Christ. My identity is no longer tied to fleeting worldly standards but anchored in the eternal truth of God’s love. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, worthy of love and respect—not because of anything I’ve done, but because of who He is.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." – Psalm 139:14
God’s validation is the only validation I need, and it is more fulfilling than anything this world could ever offer.
