Daily Power #55

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Cor. 3:17)

For as long as I can remember, my toes have been my worst physical feature. Even my wife agrees: “Craig, I love everything about you. You’re perfect in every way. I love you from the top of your head to the bottom of your . . . ankles.”

Amy knows my feet are the ugliest and often says, “Be sure to put on socks before you come in the bedroom.” She’s not being mean; she’s just being honest.

So for years, I’ve been self-conscious about my toes.

Finally, this past year, I had a breakthrough. For the first time ever, I thought, I’m middle-aged. I’m happily married. My wife loves me. Why should I care what anybody else thinks?

So I bought a pair of sandals and wore them without shame—to restaurants, the park, even to church. So what if little kids screamed and cried when they saw my toes? Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, baby! And I have been set free.

I’m exaggerating—but honestly, only a little. It may seem silly, but this struggle has lasted for decades. Over the years, I’ve learned we all have something we’ve become ashamed of, some part of ourselves or our lives that we feel we must hide.

But not with God. While our culture may condition us to hide our flaws or filter our selfies, God loves every part of us—ugly feet and all. What image are you trying to portray in your life that doesn’t reflect the real you?

Power Lift

Dear God, help me to embrace the freedom that comes from experiencing your unconditional love and to extend it to others—including myself.