Relax, you are loved and needed.
In the news, I heard a report about a stray dog. Being an animal lover, the story got my attention. But it was the message that touched my heart and struck a cord with me.
It had been a long week, when a man decided to visit his sister at her office for lunch. So he drove to her office, parked his car and started walking toward her business. Jangling his car key s in his hands, the man noticed a very thin, dirt-covered young dog hiding underneath a parked car eating scraps of food. The man paused, thinking for a moment.
Regardless, when the dog saw the man, he came scampering toward him. Wagging his tail excitedly, the stray dog approached the man with a curious, yet eager disposition. It was like the man was his long-lost friend.
The man and the dog sat on the sidewalk together. Content just receiving warm caresses on his matted fur from the man, for the first time it seemed the mistreated dog was able to relax. Then, the man carefully picked up the worn out, abandoned, young dog and carried it into his car. Immediately, the drained and weary dog fell asleep on the man’s strong shoulder. It was as if the weight of the world was taken off of the animal even for a short time.
With loving compassion and the help of his sister, the man drove the dog directly to the veterinary hospital. At the hospital, the frail, underfed dog was treated. And going forward, with the proper care, he would survive.
In a flash of certainty, the man took the dog home. He fed him. He spoke comforting words to him. Pet him. And then he bathed him. The man was shocked to find out that after all the dirt and grime came off the animal’s body, and he was properly brushed, his fur was actually pure white with amazing vividness.
The young dog spent his entire life trying to survive day-to-day on the streets. Neglected, disregarded, free to roam around in dangerous surroundings, getting him adapted to having a secure home was at first difficult.
It was purported the man described, “When I would take him for walks, he was constantly terrified that I was going to leave him back on the streets, so he would yank his leash away from me and run back into the parking lot of our building complex.”
This happened for a while. But the family continued to shower him with verbal and physical love, until the dog realized he was going to be safe and cared for by his new family.
A few months passed, and the dog finally understood that he was needed, wanted and loved. At long last, he was able to relax. And now the healthy dog is flourishing.
Do you sometimes feel like that stray dog? Lost or forgotten? Neglected or overlooked? Restless, have you been going in circles way too long?
No matter what your situation looks like today, relax; you are loved and needed… don’t ever doubt yourself and what God can do for your future. Soon, you’re going to move past difficult situations. Don’t lose hope. In an instant, as with the stray dog, God’s hand will move. And circumstances will turn around for your great good.
God sees your value and potential. So never belittle yourself. Perhaps what happened to you wasn’t right or fair, yet God still has a great purpose for you. It’s not over. Be strong. Be courageous. You’re not finished or all washed up. Be patient with yourself. There are many options for you. Your life is still full of countless possibilities; new joys, new opportunities and new friendships. Thus, be grateful for all that God has done in the past and only expect God’s goodness for your future.
Right now, turn challenging matters over to God, for He will “show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9). And will “solve and settle… the cases of His people.” (Hebrews 10:30).
You have not been brought this far to be left alone. There is more for you just up ahead.
In Mark 10:46-52 of the Bible, it tells us that as Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, they came across a man who was sitting by the roadside. The man’s name was Bartimaeus, and he was blind. It appeared that his hopes and dreams were over. But Bartimaeus didn’t give up on life.
When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to shout, “Have mercy on me.” People criticized Bartimaeus and told him to be quiet. Yet, he didn’t listen to the critics or to the voice in his head that might have said, ‘it’s not going to happen, forget it,’ or ‘give up; you’re worthless.’
Rather, Bartimaeus had faith to believe Jesus could heal. He persisted and called out to Jesus all the more expecting Him to answer. Suddenly, Jesus stopped. He asked Bartimaeus to come to him and questioned, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Promptly, Bartimaeus answered, “I want to see!” Jesus replied, “Go… your faith has healed you.” Immediately, he received his sight. Bartimaeus was looking for his miracle. He believed he would be healed and asked in faith until Jesus granted his request.
Like Bartimaeus, there’s a miracle coming for you. God has great plans for your future. There is an overflowing of blessings in store for you. So love yourself so much that you protect your mind from nervousness, depression or despair.
God loves you and wants you to know, “You are valuable, esteemed, highly regarded and your best days are to come.” You are worthy of great love and respect. You’re intelligent and gifted. Realize God is watching over you. Please don’t let the temporary storms of life make you forget it. Each day holds the possibility of a miracle. So go forward with faith and dignity. And live the peaceful, abundant life that you were born to live.
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers across the country for over 15 years. In addition, Catherine is featured on television and radio where she inspires viewers and listeners by offering inspirational commentary, home decorating and entertaining ideas, plus DIY segments. She is the bestselling author of three books: A New You, God Will Do the Rest, and The Open Window. As a designer, her gift lines have been featured on QVC and she is a former Miss Connecticut USA.