as the grave

if you don't address that 
jealousy and 
insecurity soon, 
it will 
ultimately 
destroy you 
and you will 
self 
destruct. 

you will hurt the people you love most, 
and in the end it will 
isolate you,
alienate you, 
when that is the furthest 
from what 
anyone wants. 

you are loved.
you are loved. 
you are loved.

it will forever be whispered to you.

you will not be replaced.
this is not 
a competition 
to see who is loved the most 
wins.
we are all loved
equally. 


do not be threatened.
do not allow fear and anger to drive you. 
eventually, it will cause you to 
be irrational, 
unreasonable,
and more and more 
difficult to 
understand. 

why do you look to the left and to the right, 
comparing, sizing up, 
clinging to 
what ever you can 
in hopes of sealing your identity?

please, let me tell you those are 
joy stealers, 
and looking to fleshy things like 
comparison and one upping 
can not teach you 
contentment and 
rest assurance. 

Look up, broken one. 
Look up and fix your eyes on Jesus, 
the One who will hold you fast, 
Who will hide you in His embrace,
and will help you stand firm 
and unwavering. 

I am not pointing an accusing finger, dear one. 
I had to learn these things too.

Jesus had to remove [and not without pain and groaning]
jealousy that rotted beneath the surface, 
He scraped at my insecurity and 
fear of being replaced
with Himself, 
His love, 
and and an identity 
fully rooted in Him. 

and guess what, I am able to love well. 
With a Christ love, 
without fear, 
and without expectation 
or a full refund. 

it can't be based on others, because guess what?
we are all flesh, and flesh fails. 

our love based on an unwavering God, 
will find us rest, peace, and grace, 
and His perfect love drives out fear and insecurity, 

and that is what I continue to 
pray for you.

He is our strength and portion forever.