There were no lifeguards or rescue ropes on the beach that day, so the police sent for a rescue boat. The situation was becoming dire as the stranded swimmers were exhausted. Let me tell you the story of the swimmer Jessica Mae Simmons who showed inspired leadership in July 2017.
Worthiness
In the moments following the excruciating labor and delivery of my fourth baby, I learned more about my divine worth than in my previous 37 years of life. My daughter was placed on my chest, and I covered her with kisses. My heart nearly burst with immediate love and gratitude for this child. She hadn’t yet learned to tie her shoes or been accepted into a prestigious university; she hadn’t been chairwoman of any organization or concertmaster of any orchestra; she hadn’t won any accolades or passed any exams. She had infinite value, worth beyond measure, simply because she was my own. I was awestruck at that moment recognizing my own divine worth.
It is so easy to become deeply attached and base our entire self-worth on our many titles, roles, abilities, and accomplishments. If I strip this all away, what is left of me? What is the core of my identity and worth?
Rosemary Wixom stated, “Our divine nature has nothing to do with our personal accomplishments, the status we achieve, the number of marathons we run, or our popularity and self-esteem. Our divine nature comes from God. It was established in an existence that preceded our birth and will continue into eternity.”
This is the reason for the instant love I felt for my daughter and the foundation of my own worth. I am loved simply because I am. It is impossible to increase or prove my value through outward achievements and titles. This soul-stirring realization has caused me to see myself and others differently, with more love, forgiveness, and hope. As women, we can be united in seeing the beauty and worth in every soul, treating all around us with the greatest love, admiration, and care. This sense of value begins with how we see ourselves. You have value beyond measure.