Introduction
We are all born with a clean slate, unique and with our own stories and identities to unfold as we grow and experience the world. However, in this modern age, the journey towards understanding our worth can become clouded by external influences. Media bombards us with images of ‘perfection,’ peers influence our choices, absent parents leave gaps in our self-perception, and poor role models shape our behavior. Amidst these pressures, the essence of who we are can fade into the background. Yet, amidst the noise, a powerful truth forms the bedrock of our identity – the knowledge that we are, first and foremost, cherished children of God. This blog delves into the profound connection between knowing your worth, valuing your body and mind, and embracing the divine identity that empowers you to rise above the entanglements of smoking.
Reclaiming Your True Identity
My identity was, for lack of a better word, hijacked when I was sexually abused as a young child. I became hypervigilant and overly protective of those I perceived to be threatened by bullies. I also developed severe nightmares and asthma in response to my stress. When I was ten, I saw my first vision of Jesus. Jesus called me to sit on his knee and talk with him. I don’t remember what we discussed, but I remember the all-encompassing love. From that day to this, Jesus has been my life’s most important driving force. He is the reason I do the work of smoking cessation. His children are in bondage to Big Tobacco, and he set them free at Calvary. Many children don’t know that and need His help. If you are reading this blog, you need to know you are a child of the living God, the God of Abraham and Isaac. The God who parted the Red Sea is ready to restore your identity. Are you prepared to say YES to God?
Discovering Your Unique Identity
I once self-medicated my body with food when I failed to comprehend its inherent value and the potential problems my choices could cause. My journey led me to seek solace in God’s presence, yet I often chose to listen selectively, allowing my circumstances to shape my connection with Him. God remained unwavering throughout it all – a constant presence as I navigated my struggles and sank into the depths of despair. In those moments, I found solace in His company, His voice, and the comforting embrace of the Holy Spirit.
Recognizing that I am God’s child granted me the assurance of eternal life. Standing in His divine presence, I humbly seek forgiveness for my transgressions and present heartfelt petitions for those who require His aid. It’s a space where you, my dear friend, also find yourself – whether you’re in the clutches of smoking or striving to break free. God asserts that your body is His sacred vessel, a holy temple, an embodiment of His profound love. This truth is unshakable, a testament to His relentless LOVE for YOU.
However, a pivotal choice lies ahead. When you declare, ‘NO!’ – rejecting the allure of the Creator who shaped the seen and unseen realms – God’s wisdom, which spans beyond time itself, acknowledges your decision. And as you close that door, consider the possibility that He, in His infinite knowledge, might respond accordingly. Yet, I implore you, dear friend, to reflect on eternity’s boundless prospects. May you refrain from discarding what could be the most extraordinary gift
you’ve yet to fathom.
Rediscovering the Foundation
When you connect your intrinsic value to being the son or daughter of the Father God, you will immediately see your self-worth and individuality as unique, valuable and of special interest to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. You will still face challenges and trials, but like a baby growing to maturity, these challenges are
necessary to teach you resilience and to rely on God for your needs, power, strength, and wisdom. All you have to do is ask and seek Him. Do you sense the hole in your heart that only God can fill? Are your heart and mind telling you you are a cherished child of God? Tobacco, alcohol, and other addictions will never fill that God-shaped hole.
Smoking is a tool of the evil one. Satan knows your body belongs to God and is a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. If you accept God, Jesus has already broken the chains that bind you. Jesus set the captives free, and if Jesus says you are free, then who is man to say you are not free? Turn away, and choose daily, to love and serve the Lord God. Turning towards God will cause great celebrations in heaven and on earth as choirs of Angels break into song for you!
The Divine Connection
Suppose you realize that your true identity lies in recognizing yourself as a cherished child of God. In that case, it’s time to delve into the profound depths of your personal worth and the inherent value of your body, mind, and spirit. You were never alone during your journey, no matter how arduous it became. Remember that God sees and knows all, even in the most trying moments. As the Bible reminds us, ‘And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.’ Romans 8:28
Most of us have journeyed through life’s challenges and emerged with powerful stories waiting to be shared. These stories possess the power to uplift and aid others. Don’t let your story hold you back; use it to help others. Be someone’s miracle. Imagine finding a crumpled fifty-dollar note lying in a muddy puddle. You’d instinctively pick it up, cleanse it, and acknowledge its worth – it remains a $50 note. This analogy applies to you as well. Regardless of your trials, your intrinsic value remains untarnished by the struggles you’ve endured. Instead, these experiences foster growth, honing skills like perseverance, adaptability,
resourcefulness, and maturity. They bestow upon you a reservoir of empathy for fellow travellers on similar paths, placing you in a position to help those in need.
The Value of Your Bod
Every body is unique. Taking medications has a unique effect on individuals. Smoking will affect other family members, friends, and colleagues differently. One person may go on to smoke for forty years, while another person becomes diseased within five years. When you smoke, you affect how medications interact in your body (including over-the-counter drugs). Smoking speeds up the metabolism of drugs. When you stop smoking, you are advised to work with your doctor and
pharmacists to reduce your medications. The same goes for coffee, tea, and even hot chocolate, which will be more potent.
Your body is wondrously made by our Creator, who built repair mechanisms within us to keep us alive should we make unwise choices like smoking, vaping, or taking illegal drugs. Sadly, many of us take these harmful drugs to excess, and our bodies engage in a battle that becomes increasingly difficult to win.
We live in polluted environments and consume foods tainted with harmful substances, which add to our body’s toxicity. What’s more, disheartening is that many of us turn not to our Creator for guidance and support but instead seek solace in supplements, self-proclaimed gurus, mediums, and even occult practices, all in a desperate attempt to salvage ourselves. However, remember that God observed your formation in your mother’s womb and intimately understands what you need to heal.
The question remains: Will you heed His wisdom?
The Value of Your Mind
Your mind holds immense value for both you and the world. When you’re uncertain, it’s like a boat adrift without a rudder tossed around by waves. The beliefs and memories from your childhood, good or bad, are etched onto the slate of your identity. As an adult, you no longer need to let the pain of your past hurt others or prevent you from embracing love due to fear. Now is the time to choose the values and beliefs that align with your adulthood and let go of those that no longer serve you. Childhood trauma leaves scars, but God’s love and healing presence can wipe them away. True healing won’t come from those who are also wounded or from relying on a cigarette.
Smoking provides a false sense of comfort, masking the truth that it damages your relationships and numbs your emotions. Your precious mind gets caught up in this cycle as long as you smoke. Yet, the solution lies within you, and God’s presence can fill the void. With God’s help, you can build a new lifestyle and strong relationships without the need to smoke.
Summary
Embracing the inherent value of our body and mind sets us on a transformative journey where prioritizing our well-being becomes paramount. Opting to embrace ‘Yes’ to the healing love of God and ‘No’ to smoking becomes a profound assertion of our self-worth. As we release the deceptive allure of smoking’s comfort, we cultivate ourselves and our relationships while honoring the invaluable treasure of our minds. This voyage underscores our resilience and strength, marking a significant stride towards a life enriched by the presence of God. It signifies liberation from the shackles of smoking and a return to the essence of your God-given free will.
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