We Are All Valuable Gems

4/26/25

Hi Gem of Great Value –

Can you believe that about yourself?

I’ve started writing a memoir and today’s (re)post about this will probably end up being the introduction to the book. I hope you can take it to heart and figure out what type of gem of great value you are.

The subject of this is kinda timely in an ‘oh crap’ sort of way. 🙂 

Have recently had a couple of  ‘awareness moments’, shall we say, about areas in my life that can definitely use some humbling and polishing up. Gaining confidence is a good thing, but sometimes it’s morphing into something else all together which is only recognizable in hindsight at this point (ugh!).  And as I’ve been poking at what’s left of the unresolved anger of the past, it’s snarling up rather intensely at unexpected moments and more memories of the hell of childhood are surfacing and. 

(Good times, good times.) 

But what’s so amazing is even though I’m acting out these unimpressive behaviors, God hasn’t been holding them against me. He shows me what still needs changing and ways to work on it, then continues throwing his blessings around as if  I’ve been behaving well and am worthy of them all. I think that’s called ‘Grace’, and I’m so very grateful Jesus is so generous with it. Hoping to learn more about how to do that, too, while He’s at it. 

An impressive show of His blessings came a couple of days ago when a friend, ‘M’, and I went to look at a hall where we’re going to be holding a sex and human trafficking awareness event in a couple of months. In all my wisdom and expectation I figured we’d just go look at the venue, have lunch and be done with it. So, I was wearing a ‘I should’ve done laundry sooner’ outfit of old baggy pleated pants and a t-shirt that had already been worn once, had no make up on and didn’t bother much with the hair. ‘M’, of course, was looking as stylish as she always does. 

But then a series of ‘it could only be God and He has a sense of humor’ incidences came our way. The restaurant we decided to try was closed and as ‘M’ was walking around the building trying to find a different door she thought might open, I was getting impatient in a ‘I’m hangry, let’s go somewhere else’ sort of way. But she was doing the right thing per God’s ways, apparently, because there was a lady around back who we ended up talking with and she gave us the name of a pastor she thought might want to support us. We were able to set up an impromptu meeting with him and he offered the names of a few other people to contact. When we were about to part ways he mentioned I could give a brief talk to his congregation closer to the event day; I felt obligated to assure him I would be dressed/look more appropriate; I think he was relieved. (Thank God I had a least remembered to take a shower and apply deodorant!) 

I’m giving a talk this evening (Saturday); I hope God’s grace will extend to make it comprehensible and, dare I ask, enlightening in a well received sort of way. If you’re a praying kind of person, would you please pray for that and the event??  Thank you!

Now onto the possible intro for the book:

We are all born with intrinsic, priceless worth whether we realize it or not, including you if you’re inclined to doubt it. No matter what we are named, or called, in God’s eyes we are all invaluable gems at birth and there is no thing or action anyone (not even parents, nor ourselves) can do or say that will alter that invincible truth. 

We are all jewels of varying shades of colors, shapes and sizes, we each have many different facets to our personalities, and we are all born into a unique setting. Some of us may experience or need more cutting and polishing than others but we are always beautiful, precious, priceless gems. 

Which one are you?

Before we go any further I have to ask: Do you know belief is not the same as truth? Truth is immutable, unchanging and forever, well, true! Belief on the other hand, can be synonymous with truth, but it can also be the opposite. Let me show you how . . .

My parents named me Pearl, which I think was unwittingly prophetic. Do you remember how the  gem is formed? It starts out as a piece of seemingly worthless sand that becomes imbedded in a tightly closed oyster shell. There, it’s enshrouded in darkness, perpetually slimed on, and is a constant irritant to its surroundings.

I don’t know the technicalities of how it happens, but that little slimy seed is actually a Pearl of great value in disguise even though it is still perceived as worthless to most, including itself.

But God knows the truth, and what to do with it/me. 

So it starts transforming in spite of its surroundings and eventually shows it’s the prized gem He created it to be. 

THIS is me, but I had to stop believing I was dirt before being able to claim the inherent truth of my own God given merit. 

Now, with Him, I’m realizing I had the key to freedom all along and we’re figuring out how to break out of the dark, constrictive shell so I can make the most of my God given value, and life, for others.  

I’m praying you, too, will do the work to offload any mountains of shame and self-loathing you may feel you’re buried under in order to unearth your cache of indestructible God given great worth. Then, together, we can show the world what amazing treasures we truly are. 

Let’s let our precious, jewel light shine – it’s finally time, Thank God!