I believe that I am made in Christ's image and that I am wonderfully made, woven together with intent and purpose. I believe that Christ is beautiful and holy and wonderful and that it is his great joy and purpose for his children to reflect his beauty and live lives that glorify him.

God made me in such a way that baffles me sometimes. I have a pretty self-deprecating sense of humor, which is something that comes naturally to me because I thoroughly enjoy making others laugh and making fun of myself (obviously). I've never been one to try to cover up my mistakes or my, from time-to-time, off-putting personality. Actually, I often apologize for my personality. At the same time, I've also never been one to let myself believe the things I say about myself. My humor comes from my want and drive to stay humble, both in Christ and in general. Not that I have any reason to think greater of myself.

You might be wondering how two combating concepts like this can even work together. How could someone with such a self-defeating personality and sense of humor believe that she is actually beautiful and made wonderfully? Because God tells me so, therefore I am. I think having a self-deprecating sense of humor has pushed me to be able to accept myself in various ways and to embrace who God made me to be so that I can embrace others. In the same light, it has pushed me to create deeper relationships with people and to love people more. The only explanation I have for this phenomenon is God. Without him, I'm just an idiot with no friends laughing at myself.

1. Let's start with the basics: You were made in his image.

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Genesis 1:26

I mean, this is huge. If you ever find yourself convinced that you aren't beautiful, remember this. If then we are made in his image we are calling our God less-than beautiful.

2. He made us with deep intention.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13-14

We all know this one, but it's really powerful. One of the worst things I've heard someone say to me is, "I was a mistake." I fight hard on this one because no one is a mistake. Whether or not your earthly parents planned for you, your heavenly father did. You are not a mistake. You are made with deep intention.

3. You are the work of his hand.

"But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8

I don't know if you've ever worked with clay, especially on a wheel, but it moves in the direction that you want it to. It's not an uncontrollable medium. In fact, it's one of the most controllable mediums in the art world. It is also one that requires hours of focus and attention to detail. Throwing (using a wheel) requires a steady hand and foot and an immense about of control in even your pinky. Too much water will ruin it and not enough water will dry it out. Visualize that: God sitting at a wheel from dusk to dawn, perfecting every ridge, every bump -- everything. Wow.

4. He pulls you into his purpose.

"Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.' Then I said, 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for all to whom I send, you shall go, and whatever I command, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.'" Jeremiah 1:4-8

One of the coolest things my dad has said to me is that he didn't want to be a pastor but God made him one. He told me that he hated public speaking and said that it's funny how God will use us in the ways we most resist or least expect. I think it's so incredible that God's purpose in and for us always prevails. It's just another indicator that God doesn't make mistakes.

5. We are the product of his work.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

God is an artist. Have you ever made something and loved it so much that you treat it like it's actually your child but even better? Have you ever fallen in love with your own creations because it was so perfect to you? Exactly.

You are beautiful because you are God-breathed. Rejoice in that and in him.