Am I Worth It?

What are you worth?  The definition of worth is: the level at which someone or something deserves to be valued or rated.  Some of us believe we are worth being abused.  Some of us believe we are only worth the level of criticism, sarcasm, or bullying others demean us to.  Some of us believe that our worth solely comes from the compliments or opinions of others.  Some of us believe we have limited worth and potential. 

These are all lies.  One of my favorite church movies from my childhood was Johnny Lingo (watch video here: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-05-0010-johnny-lingo?lang=eng ).  The story is about a young woman who is viewed as a very ugly and pathetic girl on her island.  Johnny wanted to marry her and in their tradition he needed to offer cows as a dowry to her father.  Many women were given 4, 5, or 6 cows which was “saying” a lot about their “worth” and their beauty.  Johnny offers 8 cows for his bride to be and everyone in the village is shocked because they believe her to be ugly and only “worth” the hooves or tail of one cow.  Some time after their marriage Johnny his bride, Mahana, come back to the island causing a sensation because she has blossomed into a beautiful and confident woman. 

What changed?  She is still the same being so why did everyone now believe, especially Mahana, that she now had more worth and beauty as a person?  Perspective.  The only thing to change was Mahana’s perspective about herself and she because more beautiful to everyone around her. 

Why should our reflection be any different?  If we think we are beautiful then we will be!  If we think we are of worth and require the same respect from others around us then we will have it.  I am not talking about getting our way, winning every argument, or causing ourselves to be full of vanity.  I am talking about genuine love for our God-given bodies, spirits, and opportunities here on earth.  We have the power to make ourselves more likeable, loveable, and downright adorable!  But it starts with ourselves.  We can’t go seeking the opinions of others and allowing them to control our worth because we will always find someone out there who doesn’t like us or think we are the greatest thing to ever walk the planet.  But if we are confident enough we don’t have to let that get us down because we will find people, even just one person, who will love us for who we are.  

 There's always that one person that you can never get to like you ;)

God is aware of our situations and he is acutely aware of our worth.  Christ suffered His atonement for all men, but he would have done it just for you, and you alone.  There will always be a reason to keep smiling, keep moving, and to keep living.  If you have questions about your own worth, ask.  If you fear your path, stop where you are and get on your knees.  He is always there.  He is always listening.  He will always answer.  Because YOU are worth it.  

Further Study:

"The Worth of Souls" - Elder Hillam https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-worth-of-souls?lang=eng

"The Worth of Souls" - Elder Romney https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1978/10/the-worth-of-souls?lang=eng

"The Worth of Souls is Great!" - Elder Dunn https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1973/04/the-worth-of-souls-is-great?lang=eng