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In God’s Heart I Am…Accepted

by Holley Gerth Aug 17, 2011 in:Book Club

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Listen to Jennifer from You Are My Girls share her answer to “In God’s Heart I Am…?” in this video.

{subscribers click here if you can’t see the video}

It’s easy for me to believe God loves me. I can understand He has forgiven me. But making the leap to believing He has truly accepted me is another story.

Perhaps that’s because we experience so little true acceptance with each other. The preacher talks about grace but gives us a list of rules to follow. Friends promise to always be there for us, only to turn their backs when we don’t meet their expectations. Families boast of unconditional love but withdraw it when we choose a different path. So like Adam and Eve in the Garden, we hide from ourselves, each other, and God.

In Beyond the Masquerade: Unveiling the Authentic You, Dr. Julianna Slattery says, “Facing others without covering my psychological blemishes is actually more terrifying than going out into the world without a shower or makeup. Far more offensive than body odor are my fears, malicious thoughts, insecurities, shame, and pride.”

While we strive to make ourselves acceptable, we also secretly long for someone to catch a glimpse of our true selves and exclaim, “You can stop hiding now—I really do love you just as you are!”

Yet there is someone who speaks this way to our hearts every day. When Christ went to the cross, He made it possible for us to stop hiding. All of our sin, shame, and guilt have been erased. The Lord constantly looks at us with eyes of love. His scars bring healing and even beauty to our own.

Will there be times when the Lord still reveals areas in our lives that need to change? Yes, of course. But His conviction is about what we do, not about who we are. Real friends tell you when you have something in your teeth. They love you enough to speak the truth, and Jesus is our most faithful friend of all. He sees deep within our hearts and tells us when something is stuck there that doesn’t belong. His correction always comes from a place of grace and not condemnation.

When we open our hearts and let God speak to us, we discover we’re truly known and loved in a way we never thought possible. The acceptance we long for is already ours if only we’ll dare to embrace it.

Hey you,

the one wondering if you’re enough,

if you’d be loved if anyone really knew you—

turn your heart this way for a moment,

then lean in and listen close…

Acceptance?

You’ve got it.

You don’t have to look any further

than the hands of the One who made you,

the heart of the One who loves you.

You’re welcomed, held,

cherished just as you are

and encouraged to grow

into all you’ll become.

So hold your heart and head high;

look the world in the eyes and say…

“I’m His. I’m loved.

I’m already accepted today.”

–excerpt from God’s Heart for You, Embracing Your True Worth as a Woman by Holley Gerth {available as a book or ebook}

Holley Gerth, www.InGodsHeart.com

by Holley Gerth
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Holley Gerth

Holley Gerth is a bestselling author who loves encouraging the hearts of women through words. She does so through books like You're Already Amazing and Fiercehearted. Holley is a beloved daughter of God, wife to Mark, Mama to Lovelle, and Nana to Ellie. She'd love to have coffee with you...
Author Bio       Author Website

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janet says

    August 17, 2011 at 6:01 am

    Thank you Jennifer for sharing. Absolutely beautiful!

    • Jennifer says

      August 17, 2011 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you, Janet!

  2. Stacey says

    August 17, 2011 at 6:28 am

    This devotion touched my heart so much! Thanks for sharing =]. Have A Blessed Day! Love – Stacey ヾ(@⌒ー⌒@)ノ

  3. Anna says

    August 17, 2011 at 6:59 am

    What a gift! Thank you for the opportunity!! Blessings!

  4. Lisa Marie says

    August 17, 2011 at 7:25 am

    This has been such an encouraging set of messages! Passing it on to many friends. Thanks for being such a blessing!

  5. Rambling Heather says

    August 17, 2011 at 8:08 am

    What a needed book! Thank you for this awesome chance at this giveaway.

  6. Leanna M says

    August 17, 2011 at 8:25 am

    Great book and gift ideas as well..
    Thank you for the giveaway.

  7. Stephanie Hanes says

    August 17, 2011 at 8:27 am

    This is so beautiful and SO needed for today’s women – thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Holley!

  8. ~Bambi says

    August 17, 2011 at 8:28 am

    This was so encouraging! Made tears come to my eyes and I felt the kindness and sincerity come through her words like a gentle breeze.

    Thank you so much for this.

  9. Tania S. says

    August 17, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Thank you so much for the blessings you have given through your posts.

  10. Amy Hunt says

    August 17, 2011 at 9:04 am

    This breaths life into my soul!

  11. Vera says

    August 17, 2011 at 10:10 am

    Thnx for your encouragement! Love to read your blog because it makes me feel special! I’am loved by our heav’nly father that’s THE most important thing to remember every day! Over and over!!!

  12. Courtney says

    August 17, 2011 at 10:44 am

    What a wonderful message! (As always!) Also, thank you for sharing Jennifer’s video with us. I haven’t seen her blog yet, but I am about click on over and check it out! 🙂

  13. Shawn Bensley says

    August 17, 2011 at 10:47 am

    The title of this devotion brings to mind the verse that says. “Now I know in part then I shall know fully even as I am fully known.” God knows me fully, I don’t have to put up a brave front for Him, He already knows me fully!!!!! yeah!!!!!!!!

  14. Amy says

    August 17, 2011 at 11:28 am

    Thanks for the (in)couragement!

  15. Christina Burrell says

    August 17, 2011 at 11:38 am

    This post blessed me so much today! I would love to win.

  16. Christi says

    August 17, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Amazing…I am so blessed to have found this website!

  17. Christi says

    August 17, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Amazing…I am so blessed to have found you!

  18. Meg says

    August 17, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Thank you for your encouraging words, and for this wonderful giveaway!

  19. irene says

    August 17, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    Thanks Holley! Accepting God’s acceptance of me is difficult but thrilling!

  20. Cindy says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    Praise God for you, Holley, and all these precious sisters in Christ.

    I really appreciate what you shared from Beyond the Masquerade: Unveiling the Authentic You, Dr. Julianna Slattery. Wow! Those things listed as offensive are
    things displeasing and dishonoring to my Father God! I want to honor Him for
    all He is and all He does and I want others to know Him and His great and deep
    love! Thank God for His unconditional love and acceptance. May we have that
    more and more for each other.

    Thank you for sharing this devo.

  21. Tiffany says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Thank you for this article Holley, it was just what I needed to hear today!

  22. Jane says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    Thank You, Holly You will never now how much You have helped me ,to understand.
    Praise God.

  23. Charissa Steyn says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I love this post…so lovely. Just makes me say, “ahhhhh” in my heart. I feel peace and rest meditating on God’s acceptance of me…thank you sweet Holley! You are beautiful!

  24. Claiming Truth | You Are My Girls says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    […] God’s Heart for You:  Embracing Your True Worth as a Woman.  This video is also over at Bloom {in}courage today, with a beautiful post by Holley titled “In God’s Heart I Am . . . […]

  25. Stephanie says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I loved how Jennifer shared that our identity is in Him! I finally got that 5 years ago and Holley’s book is going to be such a blessing!

  26. Jennifer says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    Holley, I can never get enough of this. His truth is my air. I am so grateful for how He pursues us, all from His all-encompassing love. Thank you so much for your beautiful words — and for this opportunity to partner with you today. In His love, Jennifer

  27. Evelyn says

    August 17, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Thank you for touching my heart and feeding my spirit again today.

  28. Debrah says

    August 17, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Thanks for the “incouragement” girls! In God’s Heart I am INVITED!

  29. Debbie Handel says

    August 17, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    After being a Christian for many years and for the last few really going through one after the other trials, I was introduced to Holley through a friend. So refreshing, after feeling from most people I’m surrounded by that I don’t have enough faith, I must not love God enough and on and on, (the lies). I’m reminded when I first came to know Jesus, how scared I was of knowing God as my Father since my earthly father was never a father to me and I didn’t know what it felt like to have a Father. I remember Him showing me all the time, in my mind and heart a picture of me sitting in His lap and me feeling like His “little girl”, (true story)!!! And right now going through probably THE hardest time in my life I come across all of this. So sweet, so calming and mostly So Loving! Thank you Holley, I have no doubt that God sent you to me at the exact moment I needed and to hear what He wanted me to hear. ♥

  30. Amy says

    August 17, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    thanks for the reminder that we are accepted!

  31. Donna says

    August 17, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    Thank you Holley. You are a very loving, sweet writer. It always brightens my day to come to your posts. <3

  32. Holley Gerth says

    August 17, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    Thank you for all of your beautiful comments! I loved hearing your hearts today!!

  33. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    August 17, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    What a beautiful poem. Thank you so much for the much needed encouragement today.

  34. theresa says

    August 17, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Thank you for your wonderful stories and articles.

  35. Martha says

    August 17, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    Leaves me with comfort, peace, and a calmness. Thank you.

  36. Kirsten says

    August 17, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Thank you for the wonderful reminder of His complete acceptance. So easy to forget when faced with the fickle acceptance of friends and family.

  37. Sandy says

    August 17, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    What an awesome week of touching messages! Thank you, Holley, for touching our hearts and sharing God’s Word. 🙂

  38. Doris says

    August 17, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    I, too, have read Captivating – and actually pick it up again and again when I need to be reminded of how much I am truly loved and accepted. It’s a beautiful thing when you finally realize it. Oh, I still have those days where I let the doubt slip in – but in the end, I still know that I know that I know – I AM beautiful, loved, and my King is enthralled by my beauty.

  39. ~ Linda ~ says

    August 17, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    I am absolutely amazed, blessed, touched, and abundantly grateful, that “I” am God’s Girl, that He loves ME, that He WANTED me, that He FORGAVE me, that He will NEVER EVER leave me nor forsake me, that He will never lie to me, that He will work His perfect will in my life and those of my children!!! I love Him because of who He is; He loves me just as I am, and only improves me with His word, correction, mercy, love, and forgiveness!!! He IS Lord!!!!!!

  40. Emily says

    August 17, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Remembering that I am accepted is something I struggle with.

  41. Margaret says

    August 17, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Thanks, Holley!

  42. Judi Nacinovich says

    August 18, 2011 at 12:40 am

    He leaves me with joy and happiness and love.

  43. Barbie says

    August 18, 2011 at 1:08 am

    My heart never leaves this place empty. Thank you!

  44. Angie says

    August 18, 2011 at 2:25 am

    The challenge to authenticity is huge. I certainly kid myself that I am open and honest – and, often, I am. But there are always those relationships where I find myself hiding parts of me away, fearful of being hurt. This post is a great challenge to continue opening my heart to GOD and letting him change me, regardless of what others might think, do or say.

  45. Anne says

    August 19, 2011 at 12:45 am

    I so look forward to each post from you! it lifts my spirits each time and I share many with my friends as appropriate. They are always glad I did and each has gone to the friend on the desparately needed day, just as they come to me at the perfect time.

    God is so good! Even if he had not saved me from Stage 3 Brain Cancer 12 years ago, He would still be good! What a protecter, shield, and rock He is!! It’s a joy to share Him with others and I thank you for helping me do that in a different way than I do normally. You inspire me! Thank you and God bless you for sharing His love with us.

  46. Sherrey says

    August 19, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Holley, you couldn’t have written a book more needed by woman today! I give God thanks for the day I found you and your writings.

  47. Cathy says

    August 19, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    Thank you!

  48. Nadine says

    August 19, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    What a beautiful message. I have just discovered this tonight. I can now sleep peacefully. Thank you.

  49. Kay says

    August 22, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    It’s so incredible to read that someone has believed that God loves us, saved us…but may not accept us.
    I’ve always felt that way and been made to feel ashamed when I’ve shared it, in my blood family or my church family. I’m thrilled not everyone knows this pain & doubt…but I’m relieved, someone else does.
    This burden isn’t magically gone, but I see a flicker of hope.
    Thank-you

  50. Marcia says

    August 31, 2011 at 11:55 pm

    Love, Love, LOVE!

  51. accepted. « Bearberries says

    February 21, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    […] https://www.incourage.me/2011/08/in-gods-heart-i-am-accepted.html […]

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