I’ve always had issues with my self image.  I’m not sure what caused it, but it may have to do with a need to please everyone.  I now realize that giving up my own thoughts in favor of friendship is not healthy.  I may even have gone to the opposite extreme, feeling that my ideas are the only ones that hold any merit.  In either case, I’ve often found solace in retreating into my shell.

With the way the world is currently turning, depression is hitting an all time high.  Prior to the pandemic, we only had to concern ourselves with faltering health issues –  getting our children from here to there – earning enough to get from one pay check to another – and whether we would get out of bed in the morning.  There were other things too.  Many face really tough problems like cancer, pending treatments, loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, addiction, unwanted pregnancy, a devastating financial loss or any number of pain filled matters.

When our world spins out of control, as it has for the past few years, our natural inclination is to hide from it.  We retreat to our own world and often become a part of the problem. However, sometimes it’s good to step away from life as we know it today.  In our distancing or in our shell, there can be the makings of a beautiful gem.  The clam that creates a priceless pearl isn’t going to change the world, but for those who take a moment (not forever) to retreat, regroup, renew, refresh and restore, there is hope for the future.

God has promised us a future.  His Word is filled with passages to confirm that.  This world is just a temporary place.  It isn’t always a good place.  It’s often shadowed with darkness and fearful situations, but we have been added to the population for a purpose.  Each one of us has something to offer.  If we simply stay in that shell, no one will ever know the beauty we can bring.  No one will see our uniqueness.  We all have the power to change things, but we won’t if we stay locked in that shell of self pity.

It’s time to make yourself known.  You are special.  You are a masterpiece created by the God of the Universe.  You can make changes, even if they’re small.  Just do it.