I’m in high school and I want to share my experience with self-image. Self-image can mean a lot of different things. In the dictionary, it says that it is about abilities, appearance, and personality. So, the way you think of yourself. There is good but, there can be bad self-image too caused by not getting enough sleep, depression, bad habits, or thinking unworthy of thoughts of yourself. The Bible shows us that self-image is to view yourself in the light of God’s grace, and love. Christians can’t have a good self-image just by building up our self-esteem or things like being yourself, doing activities that interest you, or having some fun. They all help but Christians need to show God’s image through the light of His love and grace for us. When we grasp this then it helps us to reflect His image to others and to overcome challenges and face the extreme tests that are thrown at us throughout life.

When I was in middle school, I changed from private to public school in 7th grade. It was a huge change. I knew a couple people but that didn’t help me in any way. It was hard to make new friends since many of these kids had gone to school together since grade school. It was a rough start but my Mom reminded me that Middle School and High School were only 7 years of my entire life…a mere blip on God’s timeline and what He had planned for me. I became less afraid of what people thought about me in the present, and more about the future. So, I decided to run for class treasurer! I didn’t win due to the popularity scale, but I made a lot of friends throughout the process and did not feel bad that I did not win. I gained the respect of my teachers and some peers since my speech reflected who I was in God’s image and I did not make false promises to try to win. I also stepped out and sang a solo in Chorus, which I almost did not do, because, I did not want to stand out too much, but again my Mom reminded me to never hide my light out of fear of what people might think or say.  Our image should reflect that we have victory in Christ and not a spirit of fear.

Although it was a difficult year for me, I experienced a lot of spiritual growth. Despite my overcoming challenges that 7th grade year, I asked my parents if I could homeschool to spend more time developing the gifts that God had given me. One of the things I wanted to do was to start my own business with crafts that I had made and paintings that I had worked on with my art teacher. I started, Samantha’s Treasure,  with two, homemade Christmas items and some notecards. Now I have my own online business on Etsy, with 70 different items and working on getting more. I branched out with, Brad, Camie, Nathan, Abby and Sam Matlack, who are friends of ours in Kenya, Africa. They are missionaries that started a group called Girls with Vision, however, they are now called Tazama Nia.  These young ladies need skills to earn money to make a better life for themselves and their families. The Matlacks teach many of the girls there to start businesses of their own. Tazama Nia, previously, Girls with Vision is also a Discipleship group that encourages and strengthens them. They are led in Bible Studies and also in ministering to others in their community. Many of these young ladies are my age with families of their own. Recently they visited an orphanage to help with the children there despite struggles they felt good about giving back to others. These girls who had no hope are feeling hopeful for their future.

One of the skills that the Matlacks teach them is to make beautiful beaded jewelry. I purchase their work and then I send more than 50% of the profit back when I sell them here. I have sent back around $2100 over the last year and I am hoping to save enough money from my portion of the business to start a not for profit and make a trip to Africa to work on a short film about the Girls with Vision and our Missionary friends.

One last thing before I show you a quick video clip about my business. To be healthy in your self image or in God’s image, you can’t compare yourself to other people. God created each and every person in His own way so that each of us has a purpose in God’s huge plan if we take the time to discover it. If you waste time, comparing yourself to other people you may miss the opportunity God placed in front of you.

Here is a Video about my business:  Samantha’s Treasure Promo Video , made by Luke Tevebaugh Photography.

Ephesians 3:16-19 says: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

And remember…don’t just be a Fan in the Stands, get out and be a player in God’s great plan. This experience has taught me that you are never too young to make a big difference and build hope in the life of another human being.

Watch my You Tube Video speaking at Sanlando United Methodist Church.

Speaking to Sanlando United Methodist Church Youth