At the age of 10/11 my parents divorced. Physical things changed; our home went to an apartment, the switching of schools and the obvious fact that dad was not around. He moved 8 hours away and the daddy daughter relationship that some are fortunate to have, was gone. Now, I’m not hear to cry about not having a dad around or even to tell you about how hard it was living with doubts of self-worth because if my own dad didn’t stay for me, then why would any other man. No, this is not that blog. This is a blog addressing the reason I feel like I am worthy, the reason I command respect when I walk into a room without even talking. This is the blog about my mom stating that I, Jarren Sh’rae Templeton, am worthy.
I don’t think it’s anything new, that when dads leave their children, whether it be boy or girl, the effects are hard and life changing. For some girls, it’s running from guy to guy trying to numb the feeling or even the complete opposite where they hate all men and develop trust issues. For me, I would say, I fit neither of those molds.
From the moment my parents separated and I’m sure even long before, I remember my mom saying “Jarren, you are stinkin beautiful. You are beautiful. Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are? Did I tell you how beautiful you are today?” Is she not the coolest? I give her so much credit because out of all of the things I have had problems with, my looks have not been one. In fact, she probably should have laid off a bit, cause some days I think I’m the most beautiful of everyone on earth? (It’s okay to laugh here, it was a joke. maybe) But every time I thank God for my mom, I can’t help but be saddened for the people that don’t have a mom like mine. Saddened for people who don’t have someone in their corner to tell them how worthy they are of affection and attention.
This week has been a hard one if you have been in the U.S. More black men are dying at the hands of police officers and the attack on police officers in Dallas, Texas. I’ve heard many stories from both sides. The “Black Lives Matter movement is destructive”, “Cops matter too, stop resisting.”, “Cops hate black people.” Can I share with you the MOST annoying argument I’ve heard most of my life? “Well, if black people cared so much, why is there so much black on black crime? Why are black women aborting their babies at such a high rate?” You wanna know why that stuff is going on? Because children and adults don’t have someone in their life like my mom! Many of them don’t have a constant voice speaking over them how worthy and loved they are.
The answer I have to the most annoying question I stated earlier is, if you don’t care about my life outside the womb, why would I bring a child here. If you don’t pour worth into those women getting abortions then why would they want to bring a kid into the mix and madness. My point here isn’t to start arguments or debates. My point is that we, as children of God who KNOW that we are children of God, need to go and share that news with some people. “Oh, but Jarren I don’t think I can eloquently share the Gospel.” To that I say neither did Moses… But also, I’m not suggesting you go and start telling people about Jesus. I’m suggesting you go out there and tell somebody who has no idea that they are worthy, just how worthy they are. And if you end up telling them about Jesus, well then you’re obeying His command. “But Jarren, how do I know if they don’t know they are worthy?” Well friend, guess you’ll just have to tell everyone they’re worthy. Sorry boutcha!
My mom stating that I am beautiful called out a sense of worth that some women my age are still searching for. She took the time and is still taking time out of her say to remind me of my beauty both inside and out.
Get out there people. Tell someone they’re beautiful, loved, honored, worthy of your time and effort. Who knows, maybe they’ll have their life changed and see Jesus for the first time.
