who I am

Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
    In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
    Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
        because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
    He shows mercy to everyone,
        from one generation to the next,
        who honors him as God.
He has shown strength with his arm.
    He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
    He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
        and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
        remembering his mercy,
    just as he promised to our ancestors,
        to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”
(Luke 1:46-55, CEB)

Mary sang how the glory of God was what made her be who she was.

That God was her savior and that she was lifted by God.

God shows this same mercy to everyone. God gives strength to those who need it. God helps those who need it and fills the hungry with good things.

God is always there for you. And we, like Mary, need to hold in the depths of our hearts a rejoicing in God. For God made us who we are, and that is a beautiful thing.

Be proud of who I am. God made you, and God is proud of you.