Million Dollar Baby

I  suppose one of the most memorable moments in my life was meeting my birthfather, Charles. When I set out to pursue finding him, I had no idea how quickly it would happen! However, there was a slight twist. He lived in the bush in Queensland, Australia! Before I knew it, he had planned a trip to the states to visit family and meet me.

It was a pretty special meeting moment outside a small hotel off the 91 Freeway near Fullerton, California, where I lived at the time. It was dinnertime, so off we went to a nearby Mexican restaurant, where Charles filled me in on my unknown past. Charles shared that my birth mom, Dolly, needed money because her pregnancy caused an end to her career, a professional dancer.

He shared that he had saved a considerable amount of money and had invested it in the stock market. He got some wise advice and invested in the first computer business located in the Silicon Valley. When he sold it, it had nearly doubled. Had he kept those shares another ten years, he would have been quite a wealthy man. He looked at me with a twinkle in his blue eyes and said “You’re a million dollar baby and worth every penny of it.”

Those words just broke me. Tears ensued. Million Dollar Baby. I’ll treasure those words forever, realizing that both Charles and Dolly gave up so much, for me to be born.

There are times, however, that I don’t feel like a million dollar baby. I can start comparing myself with others and come up short. I can worry about what others may think. I can feel shame or blame for the silliest of things. I can feel that I just don’t matter.

As I grow in relationship with God, I learn that my identity is in Christ, not in all the other labels that others (or myself) may give me! Check out just Christ says about us:

In Christ, I’m a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I’m forgiven. (Ephesians 1:8)

I have peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

I am not alone. (Hebrews 13:5) I

I am holy and blameless. (Ephesians 1:4)

I am adopted as His child. (Ephesians 1:5)

I have purpose. (Ephesians 1:9 and 3:11)

I have hope. (Ephesians 1:12)

I am Christ’s workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)

I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others. (Ephesians 4:2)

Immerse yourself in the truths of these Scripture.  It’s time to know Whose and who you are! It’s Christ alone that can make you a new creature. You’re a treasure to Him! You’re more than a million dollar baby….He gave His LIFE for you and me. Will you enjoy this amazing relationship?

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.