Loved Because of Whose You Are
I remember a time when I went back “home” to Indiana, where I was born. My mother accompanied me on the trip, and she, having grown up there, had many friends and relatives to see. One of the people we visited was what she called a “shirt-tail relative,” one who had also been old friends with her dad. When we drove up her country lane driveway, she came out to greet us. Though I had never met this distant kin, I knew she’d be happy to see my mom. It had been years since they’d been together. What I wasn’t prepared for was how happy she was to see me. She hugged us both, but then took my face in her hands and just drank me in, a huge grin on her wrinkled face. She didn’t even know me except to know that I was my mother’s daughter. But that was enough. She loved me simply because of whose I was.
Often, we want to be loved for who we are even though deep inside we know our faults, sins, and weaknesses. But God loves us anyway. And as believers, all those negatives are turned into positives through the blood of Christ. They’re wiped away. Suddenly, we’re loved because of whose we are, not who we are. We are the Beloved’s own child, wrapped in his perfection, completely loved because of Him. Meeting my mother’s old friend reminded me of whose I am, both physically and spiritually. I’m blessed to be loved in spite of who I am. I am so thankful to belong to Someone.
Have you ever loved someone because of whose they were? Have you been the lucky recipient of such love? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Lovely!
Thanks for the reminder to love those around us just because they are.
What a lovey post, Linda. Four generations of our family grew up in one city. As I grew up, people knew me on site as one of the family. They might not have remembered which of the two brothers I belonged to, but they always could connect the dots from my grandparents, to my dad and uncle, to me, and then eventually to my son. I sometimes miss that where we live now.
Thank you, Penny and Cheryl. It feels good to belong, doesn’t it? And it feels equally good to make those around us belong. It’s a blessing we can pass to others.
Good reminder! It did remind me of something, however. In my hometown, everyone knew me as someone’s daughter, sister, etc. After we moved here, I told my boss one day, “It’s nice to be known just for me for a change.” Just then a gentleman came in to our office, saw my nameplate, and said, “Are you Robert’s mother?” (It was his Little League coach.) So I guess we’re always known by our family, but it’s nice to also be known as the King’s daughter!
I know what you mean, Donna. I was often mistaken for my sister–still am! It’s nice to have my own identity as well, and what a wonderful identity it is! Royalty! 🙂