A journalist traveled to Africa to write a story about an unknown tribe. The journalist was accepted by them, and he had the opportunity to explore their customs and beliefs. In one custom, when a man wanted to marry, he would give the father of the girl some cattle. If she was attractive, he had to give the father more than if she was plain. The most anyone had ever given for a bride in this tribe was three cows. One young man wanted to marry a girl who was extremely plain. He loved her dearly, so he gave her father ten cows. You can imagine the father’s surprise. 

When asked why, the young man said that he wanted her to understand how valuable she was to him, how much he loved her, and how beautiful he believed her to be. He wanted her to be able to hold her head high around the other women as the most valuable woman in their tribe. Years later, the journalist went back to do a follow-up story. To his amazement, the once plain girl had blossomed into a beautiful woman. Why? Love changed everything. 

You are also loved, valued, and worthy. May you blossom in God’s love for you.