What memory, if any, do you have of a time you felt completely loved? Not the mushy fleeting feelings of giddiness and butterflies. Rather, a deep abiding love not dependent on conditions. A love given exclusively for your own good. No strings attached. Parental love might be a good example, especially for their newborn children, but even that is not guaranteed sadly.

I know I have experienced this love from my parents and spouse. I know our kids love me. It is daunting at times to be so loved and accepted. Disarming even to be loved so purely for yourself. Years ago, I believe God helped me understand that the love my spouse Mark gives me, is but a small glimpse of the reality of God’s infinite love for me. It takes time and trust to not distrust motive. We can become very cynical in this fallen world, especially if we have been hurt or betrayed by someone who was supposed to love us, or someone we gave our heart to who rejected us. We may doubt that authentic love exists anymore. We are told that God loves us in this way. I know it in my head; I want to believe it without doubt in my heart. I look at my faults and think, how could He love me so radically? I don’t even like me at times especially in my failures to live up to my high calling as a daughter of the Most High God.

I subscribe to Hallow, a Catholic app. I love it. (No kickback, just sharing) Why Hallow? As a typical busy human on the planet, it has been the most sustainable way for me to pray. Finding time to stop in my day, read, reflect, and pray is challenging. Everything on the Hallow app is spoken or sung; this has been a game-changer for me. I am more consistent in my prayer life. I am inspired daily, and most importantly, I feel closer to the Lord and more fortified for the day ahead. As I prepare for the day, I can receive encouragement, inspiration, and enlightenment to better equip me for what lies ahead. God knows what is coming. I do not.

As I listened the other day, I came across Sarah Kroger’s, “Belovedness,” a song so beautiful and crucial for all humans to hear but especially beneficial for the female heart. Our hearts are so wounded by the lies presented to us daily: not pretty enough, strong enough, thin enough, or smart enough. I invite you to sit someplace, close your eyes, and listen. Absorb the words. Listen repeatably. Accept that you are loved in a way that does not depend on who you are, what you do, or what you’ve done in the past. You are beloved. I am beloved. It’s time we own our belovedness and stop listening to lies that say otherwise.

Belovedness by Sarah Kroger
You’ve owned your fear and all your self-loathing
You’ve owned the voices inside of your head
You’ve owned the shame and reproach of your failure
It’s time to own your belovedness
You’ve owned your past and how it’s defined you
You’ve owned everything everybody else says
It’s time to hear what your Father has spoken
It’s time to own your belovedness
He says, “You’re mine, I smiled when I made you
I find you beautiful in every way
My love for you is fierce and unending
I’ll come to find you, whatever it takes
My beloved”
You’ve owned the mess you see in the mirror
You’ve owned the lies that you’re just not enough
You’ve been so blinded by all you’re comparing
It’s time to own your belovedness
He says, “You’re mine, I smiled when I made you
I find you beautiful in every way
My love for you is fierce and unending
I’ll come to find you, whatever it takes
My beloved”
You are completely loved and fully known
Beloved, believe He died to make your heart His home
And He says, “You’re mine, I smiled when I made you
I find you beautiful in every way
My love for you is fierce and unending
I’ll come to find you, whatever it takes”
He says, “You’re mine, I smiled when I made you
I find you beautiful in every way
My love for you is fierce and unending
I’ll come to find you, whatever it takes
My beloved”
It’s time to own your belovedness