What do you think of me?

I am reading this book on how to raise a Christian girl (It is pretty scary). Last night I came to a chapter about how teens find their self worth in society's standards instead of in Christ. This poem was at the end of the chapter. It is so true and hit so close to home that I have to post it...

From baby steps and finger paints
abd learning how to read,
I proudly asked the world's advice,
"What do you think of me?"

With trophies, grades, and honors
I quickly began to see
the world applauds success and fame-
"What do you think of me?"

"You look great, " "You smell good,"
"You've lost some weight, I see."
With high school comes the dating game-
"What do you think of me?"

For boyfriends and promised love,
I traded my purity
and choked back tears and silently asked,
"What do you think of me?"

The world's applause was my reward
when I sought to please,
but the clapping stopped when I missed the mark-
"What do you think of me?"

And now I stand before His throne
burdened by sin and shame.
Beaten and battered by the world,
I call upon His name.

I hold back tears and try to speak
but utter a silent plea.
With downcast eyes, I finally ask,
"What do you think of me?"

I catch my breath as he draws close;
In fear, my knees grow weak.
My heart grows faint as I wait on Him
And then I hear Him speak:

"My child," He said, "the time has come
when you ask the same of me.
For so long you've sought the world's advice-
What do you think of me?

"Now here we are, My turn has come,
the chance to finally say
exactly what I think of you,
so allow Me, if I may."

Gently, He takes my chin
and raises my face to see.
"My child," He said, "you're beautiful-
you're made in the image of Me!

"The world was quick to judge your deeds,
but failed to tell the rest-
there was nothing you could do
to make Me love you less.

"Before you ever drew a breath,
My name was on your heart,
the Author of your hidden frame
before your life did start.

"You entered this life with pomp and fare
And I held my breath to see,
if those I allowed to care for you
would teach you all about Me.

"An innocent child, your journey began
in this life to find your place.
The world was quick to take your hand
and thus began the race.

"In quiet moments throughout your life
I whispered in your ear,
tender pledges of My love-
I hoped someday you'd hear.

"But the world could offer nothing
to fill your innermost need
and release you from the bondage of sin
and love you eternally.

"My Son was sent to tell the world
of My unfailing love.
A convenant pledged to all mankind
and written in heaven above.

"My Boy was nailed to a rugges cross;
For you, He agreed to die.
Burdened by your sin and shame,
'It is finished,' He finally cried.

"The world could never match My love,
the price was far too high-
for if you were the only one,
My Son would choose to die.

"I've gone to desperate lengths, My child,
to prove My love to you.
I loved you then; I love you now-
Will you love me too?

"My child," He said, "the choice is yours.
What will your answer be?
It's your turn now- the question is,
What do you think of me?"

-V. Courtney