I used to volunteer at a local women’s prison. When the ladies arrived for our workshop, as I greeted participants I’d ask, “How are you doing?” Typically, they responded with something like, “I’m good.” “I’m blessed.” But one woman made me do a double take when she smiled and said, “I’m loved.”
Her words touched me in a special way. When I looked into her eyes, I knew this was not a casual statement. It was an affirmation of her existence. In the midst of her circumstances, despite those life experiences that may have made her feel small and alone, despite times when she had felt unloved or unlovable, now she claimed this victory, “I’m loved.”
Her eyes and easy laughter told me she possessed secret knowledge, an inner life that was liberating, though by all appearances, she was in prison. Her spirit was free because her spirit knew Love, knew that she was loved—just as she was, right where she was. This was her truth.
How often do you and I find ourselves imprisoned by our past, imprisoned by the labels that society has imposed upon us, or held captive by our own critical thoughts? How can we set ourselves free? Perhaps, we can be like my friend and claim what has always been so: We are loved.
We were created by Love, out of Love, for the purposes of Love. The Spirit of God has loved us since before we were born and is loving us now in every moment. This Presence loves us through all eternity.
Today, speak the Truth to yourself. Say it softly, boldly, loud or in a whisper, “I’m loved.” Say it again and again and again.
Eisha A. Mason
