“I am wonderful.”
Say, “I am wonderful.”
I’ve always had a thing for one-hit-wonders. The idea that an artist can “blow up” in three and a half minutes - to the point of becoming a household name - yet fail to ever match that level of success again is as fascinating as it is heartbreaking.
For example, I bet few remember the name Martin Page, but play the song In The House Of Stone And Light and many will immediately remember that tune - provided you are of a certain age.
Recently, while attending the SRT go-kart event with my children, I heard a song that I had forgotten by an artist I couldn’t remember. Turns out it was Wonderful by Gary Go. To my knowledge, the song Wonderful is his only hit as a solo artist despite having written songs for the likes of superstars such as Rihanna and Robbie Williams.
If you get a chance, give it a listen. It’s a catchy tune.
Wonderful is about the disappointment many of us feel with life: missed opportunities, getting older not wiser, the depletion of always going yet never arriving. Before you pass judgment on this song as a real downer, however, wait for the chorus. It’s where we find Gary Go’s answer to the feelings many of us endure every day. His prescription? Look yourself in the eye and say, “I am wonderful.”
A surprisingly biblical response from a secular artist. It reminds me of another artist who wrote a hit or two - David.
In Psalm 139, David tells us that we are “wonderfully made.” The word he uses here is “pala’” which means marvelous, surpassing, extraordinary, distinguished…in short, wonderful. In the psalm David pens some of the most comforting lyrics a mortal can ever read (vv. 1 - 18). In short, David explains that the all-knowing, all-seeing God has always had His eyes on you. You have mattered to Him long before you were matter, and He thinks that you are someone worthy of His attention.
If you’re anything like me, those words are hard to write and often hard to believe - doesn’t make them any less true.
Today may have been a tough day. Tomorrow will likely be tough too. You may feel worn out and worthless. You may be angry and/or depressed. You may feel as though this is the best you will ever look, the best you will ever feel, the best you will ever do…and it ain’t that great.
Here’s the thing. You are not a one-hit-wonder - shining bright for one moment only to be forgotten in the waste bin of history the next. You are wonderful. Read Psalm 139:1-18 then take Gary Go’s advice and walk to your nearest mirror, look yourself in the eye, and say, “I am wonderful.” It may not feel right, but I promise you’re not wrong.
It may be hard to believe, but you’re wonderful. Say it to yourself often knowing that the God of the universe - the God who made you, loves you, and sent His only Son to rescue agrees.
And have a wonderful day.
-Your friendly, neighborhood Walter