What Defines Me

The lettering that teachers bring their students after test

dispels a myth, much to their wit

they didn’t do their best.

A student’s grade so oft displays 

triumphant bold decree:

Victor or victorious 

vs plain mediocrity.

But, to the dismay of those who lay

beside their books pre-test

it just may be - the letter "C" – 

is, perhaps, ‘their best.'

Yet, a "C" does not define me

It only serves to try me

to gain attention of a higher grade.

It whittles and it tries me 

and often does it buy me

extra tension to a stress filled day.

Still, a "C" will never thrill me

Hardly will it kill me

and herein is the element of pride:

For my "C' will just afford me 

Vanilla mediocrity,

A place wherein I choose not to abide.

                                  ~*~

Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being . . . 

This poem-type essay was written while I was struggling with self-worth as a college student; an example of how, despite constant studying and tutoring, the grade – the elusive golden ring I reached for but never received, the elusive “A”, was always beyond my studious efforts.  I did, however, make a passing grade. 

It was a simple ‘C.’   

While striving to achieve high grades shows a mark of excellence, to seek status or approval through this singular self-imposed world view, will always leave you feeling disappointedly inadequate. Anytime someone uses a world view template overlaying a Christ given principle, i.e.  ‘straight A’s equal acceptance/greatness/respect’ – the outcome will fall flat. 

When we move from a world view of how worth is achieved, and look to the scriptures, we see self-value is derived from God’s spirit. 

I am ENOUGH because HE is enough. 

In him (Jesus Christ) we have our being. 

Plainly said, In Him, I have my being.  

I have worth. 

I have value. 

You are more than ‘average’ because HE was (and still is) more than average. Our material worth – position, title, conferred degree, or educational status, what we have or don’t have, truly doesn’t define us. 

Jesus Christ is, by definition the embodiment of value. He alone is what humanity needs; what you need. He alone brings worth and support in any crisis, current or post Pandemic. 

If you’re feeling a little disheartened Friend, never forget that you live, move, and have your being – your TRUE essence, in the nature of Jesus Christ.  I offer you peace, hope and comfort through His great name. 

Eternal life is defined through Jesus Christ. 

                                                                        1 Cor 15: 1-4