Embracing Divine Worth: A Reflection on LDS Women’s Identity
How would you describe the way you feel about yourself? Like. Tolerate. Embarrassed. Ashamed. Love. How often do you find yourself feeling “not good enough?” In this world you are bombarded by messages about your worth. False messages.
In a world constantly defining and redefining the value of individuals, the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offer a profound and timeless perspective: every woman is of infinite worth, a beloved daughter of God with divine potential. You are a woman of INFINITE WORTH. You are a BELOVED daughter of God. You have DIVINE potential.
This principle isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s a foundational truth that can shape how you see yourself and navigate this life. Let’s start by being clear on what your worth is.
Your Divine Worth
Here’s the truth about your divine worth. Your worth is inherent, intrinsic, and constant.
Inherent - your worth is a permanent, essential quality.
Intrinsic - your worth belongs to you naturally.
Constant - your worth DOES NOT CHANGE.
Here’s what this means…
1) Your worth comes from GOD
2) Your worth is the same - before you came to earth, while you are here, and after this life. It is constant.
3) You can’t earn or prove your worth. It is already and always an essential part of who you are.
4) Your worth does not increase or decrease.
5) Your divine heritage grants you inherent value, independent of accomplishments, societal standards, or personal shortcomings.
Your Worth Is NOT…
Your worth is not based on anything of this world. If you are married, how many children you have, how big your house is, what number appears when you step on the scale, how many hours you spending serving, what choices your children make, your calling, or even if you hold a temple recommend. None of these things determine or change your worth.
Why it matters…
When you are clear on what your worth is and find ways to live connected to this worth it will change the relationship you have with yourself and with others. It can reduce feeling of inadequacy, depressions, and anxiety. It will change the way you respond to yourself when you mess up. It can absolutely create more moments of joy.
Practical Ways to Embrace Worth
Daily Connection with God: This can happen through journaling, prayer, music or study of the scriptures and other good books.
Treat yourself with Value and Respect: You treat yourself in this way, not because you are perfect, but because you are clear on who you are. What does it sound like to talk to yourself with value and respect?
Self-Compassion: Recognizing imperfections as part of this mortal journey allows room for growth without being critical of yourself. Self-compassion is responding to yourself with kindness and understanding rather than judgement.
Testimony of the Savior: The gift of the atonement has already been made for you. What does this gift say about your worth in the eyes of the Lord? It Christs love for you? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ anchors self-perception in eternal truths.
A Call to Action
How would you describe the way that you feel about yourself? How does understanding what your worth is and isn’t change the way you see yourself, treat yourself? How does it change the way you would treat others.
As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said, "You are not ordinary. You are remarkable. You are glorious. You are eternal." Embrace your worth.
