Do you feel like you are going through life as a Jane Doe? You’re pretty, “in a plain sort of way.” Are you feeling drab and colourless in a world of beautiful, perfect women? Do you feel unheard around others, even when you try to join in?

Going unnoticed can be a good thing. A large, plain brown moth has been perched on my window screen for the past few days,. There is nothing attractive about it. It caused me to ask God, “What is the purpose of this plain brown moth?” Other than to creep me out a bit.

The LORD reminded me all things have a purpose, no matter their appearance, although we don’t understand it. Sometimes being drab and unattractive is a blessing; a protection.

Interestingly, many moths have dull colours during the day to allow them to blend in with rocks, twigs and bark, to protect them from predators. But when you look at them under ultraviolet light their wings shimmer with different colours. Also, moth-ers will tell you many species of moths are quite colourful when you take the time to examine them.

Being plain, always made me feel less important than others – less worthy of love, life and purpose. Add to that my quiet, shy nature and I became doubly unattractive. I wasn’t worthy to be heard or listened to because much more beautiful, entertaining and well-spoken people were around. To get to know me, you had to be intentional, and that took too much work for most people, but I clearly remember the ones who did.

Being unnoticed isn’t always a bad thing, though. I learned this eventually through my relationship with Christ.

I was boy crazy from a very young age. Men were an enigma to me and I lusted after their love and attention for years. It wasn’t until after I became a daughter of the LORD, that I understood why and what I was truly seeking – my own glorification. But God knew.

If I had been a beautiful girl/woman, I wonder how much more disastrous my life might have been. How much more heartache, broken relationships, abuse, and trust in my own acceptance and worthiness to get me through life? In hindsight, I see the Lord’s protection from my own sinful heart and the hearts of others.

Through my relationship with Jesus, I have learned I was created perfectly how I needed to be; for His purpose and my protection. In His eyes;

 I am worth loving, even though I am unworthy

I was worth creating, even though plain and drab

I have a purpose, to glorify and love Him, not myself.

The unattractive, boring moth has a purpose. It pollinates at night as much, if not more, than bees do during the day, is an important food source for other creatures, and is vital to the existence of certain plants.

Comparing ourselves to others leads to envy, coveting, and questioning God’s sovereign love for us.

Our true colours shine through faith in Jesus, the Light of the World.

Our Lord gave us the appearance and personality perfectly suited for our good and His glory. Like the drab brown moth, you are a vital part of His plan, or you wouldn’t be here. Think of all the ordinary, unnoticed, quiet people you have known who deeply impacted your life because they were intentional in getting to know you. Where would you be without them? Let’s do likewise to those around us.

Sisters, it is good to remind ourselves who we are and who our identity, hope and rest are found in. Looking fully into the face of Jesus each morning is that reminder. Take a few precious moments out of your busy lives to sit, soak in who He is, and be refreshed.

Be well!

Patricia