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Writer's pictureJohn Whitehead

Validation and Value

I have spent a lot of time seeking “validation and value” in what others think of me.

Interestingly, I never knew my drive to succeed and achieve was a product of this mindset.


The need for “validation and value” motivated everything I sought to be and do. How

others saw and perceived me was important and led me to push forward at a high level.


Even as I write this, I remember times and places where this need was apparent because it was unmet.


The question I feel needs to be asked is why? Why are “validation and value” derived from what others think of us important to us? Why would we allow anyone to determine our value or validate our life?


Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that most of us are always comparing ourselves to someone else and competing with those comparisons.


How different would our world be if we could see value simply by realizing each of us matters? What if we found validation in doing whatever we do to the best of our abilities?


I am writing this because someone needs to know you are enough, and the sooner you realize that the better your life will be.


The first step is to stop the comparisons. Comparisons challenge our self-image and lead us to believe we are less than we are.


The problem is that many of us do not know who we are, and because of that, we are searching for identity. This search can lead us to accept and believe we are not good, smart, or strong enough.


Though this search for identity is a problem, it also provides a solution because the answer we seek is found in the reality that no one validates us or sets the value our lives bring to us and our world.


Our “validation and value” have been set by those we love, those who love us, and by our Lord, who created us with intrinsic value and validated each of us with His sacrifice on the Cross.


I want anyone who chooses to read this to know you are more valuable than you can know. Your purpose now is to live your life as if you believe that. When you do, the validation you seek will be seen in the lives of those you share it with.


So, the next time you feel you fall short of your expectations, maybe you will stop and look around and understand that your “validation and value” are only limited by your ability to see it and believe it!


Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”



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Guest
Jul 01
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Love this blog it is very helpful to all of us. I would value your reflection on how to value yourself but have a realistic view of ones gifting and ability and how it fits in the place you find yourself. Thank you for your weekly reflections I value them.

Don


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John Whitehead
John Whitehead
Jul 02
Replying to

Thanks as always Don. I appreciate your insights and observations!

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Guest
Jul 01

I don't know what to make of the first image, John.

Headless man? Hidden head? Jarring, attention grabbing image.

The picture of three young boys in comparison?

Wonderful! Marvelous! Full of hope, filled with joy!

Large, beautiful heads.

In comparison to their own bodies

In comparison to our adult bodies.

Worthy of comparison?

Absolutely!

Let's talk 😉

Your Htec buddy, Dave J

Edited
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John Whitehead
John Whitehead
Jul 02
Replying to

Ha ha! The picture is a man in a hotdog suit, I felt it represented the links people can go to for attention which is about seeking value and validation. Thanks for the reply!

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