Loved By God

Friends,
Do you know that you are loved? Can you open your mind to the possibility that the God of the universe, the one who created everything loves you? I had the privilege of seeing Sister Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T speak at a Women's Conference a few weeks ago.  Honestly, she shared a heart and love for God that was beautiful. She reminded me of something that perhaps is easy to forget at times: God loves us. You see His love isn't generalized. He does just love "everyone" as a whole but not specifically. His love is tender, it's personal, it's unique for each and every person on earth and that's amazing. He loves because that is His nature: God is Love.  Couple that with being all knowing and for me these truths are amazing. He patiently listens to each of us as we share our needs, whether as a silent whisper of the heart or shouts at heaven.   Such truth, if you really stop and think about it, can seem impossible. Someone who loves you so greatly, knowing everything about you does exist.

There are times in my life I've felt far from that kind of love, and if I'm honest the times I felt farthest are because I moved myself. I set up definitions in my mind as to when God could love me or not based on when I felt lovable or lovely. I thought I was lovely and lovable if I could achieve, or perform. When I had no "big" sins then I was lovable, or so I thought. My view of love was based in my experience of love taught to me, but my view was broken. His love has never failed me.

I've learned that its not about big sins or little sins --I'm sinful. period. I'm not worthy but He loves me in a perfect and unwavering way. He cares for me when I don't care for myself, He loves me when I fail to perform, His mercy is amazing. He calls me beloved. He calls me beautiful.  He calls me blessed. He calls me to Him so tenderly and reminds my heart that there is no place outside of Him that I can be loved like that. My husband gives me a beautiful demonstration to help me understand how big this love is with how selflessly He loves me. It helps but is only a glimmer of the truth of what I'm describing.

Sister Miriam and I 

Sister Miriam shared parts of her story in which she dealt with life circumstances that affected her ability to see love as God loves. I won't share her story, because it's not mine it's hers, but thankfully she's shared it in her book: Loved As I Am. I read it and honestly I'll tell you it's great. It's a beautiful story where she shares honestly about the parts of her life that were challenging where she didn't feel lovely and used all sorts of things to fill the gap. She had circumstances that produced challenges and she honestly shared the struggles and the triumphs. She shares how Our Lord fought for her when she didn't feel loved and He loved her just as she was. It's His love that makes her beautiful, and friends I'll tell you: she's gorgeous. The joy and love that overflows her heart is inspiring and if you ever get a chance to listen to her I recommend it.  The book covers the human person and God's love. Through small in size, it delivers a big dose of truth broken down into small bite size pieces.  She does that when she speaks as well. She's very eloquent and yet is able to explain complex things simply. She shows a true knowledge that she conveys well.  She is inspiring. She reminds you that no matter your problem, addiction, hang up or break down that there is hope.  She reminds us we can all be holy. No matter how far you stray God will never cease to welcome you with open arms.   She proclaimed at the conference I went to "I'm a broken lady who's seriously loved by God." She's tasted and seen that the Lord is good and invites you to do the same. She told a room full of women "God is always after your heart" and she's absolutely right. It's nice to hear it. To be reminded. He's pursuing me all the time and it's lovely to know that.  Friends. He's pursing you too.


Friends I know that God loves you. Remember as Pope Saint John Paul II said " We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failure; we are the sum of the Fathers love for us. " As I type those words it speaks volumes to my heart in a week that I've had weaknesses and failures galore. I know it's God teaching me, growing me and leading me to grow in humility and trust in Him. I am so thankful for His love even on my worst days and it's knowing He loves me that makes everything else so amazing.  You remember friend. God loves you more than you could ever imagine. You are His beloved. <3

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You can follow Sister Miriam on Twitter @onegroovynun  and there are several youtube videos where you can listen to her.
For my conversion story click here