God has given again in these latter days the truth about
where we came from,
why we're here, and where we are going.
Much of the confusion we experience in this life comes
from simply not understanding who we are.
One of the most beloved storytellers of all time was
the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen.
In one of his stories, "The Ugly Duckling," a mother duck
discovers that one of her newly hatched chicks is
unusually large and very ugly.
The other ducklings cannot leave the ugly child alone.
They punish him mercilessly.
The ugly duckling decides it would be better for everyone
if he left his family, and so he ran away.
Then one day he sees flying overhead a
flock of majestic birds.
He takes flight and follows them to a beautiful lake.
The ugly duckling looks into the water and sees a
reflection of a magnificent swan.
The ugly duckling realizes that the
reflection is his own.
He has discovered who he really is.
Think of where you come from.
You are sons and daughters of the greatest, most glorious
being in the universe.
He loves you with an infinite love.
He wants the best for you.
This knowledge changes everything.
It changes your present, it can change your future, and it
can change the world.
If only we understood who we are and what is in store for
us, our hearts would overflow with such gratitude and
happiness that it would enlighten even the darkest
souls with the light and love of God.
Of course, there will always be voices telling you that you're
foolish to believe that you're swans,
insisting that you're but ugly ducklings
and that you can't expect to become anything else.
But you know better.
You are no ordinary beings.
You are glorious and eternal.
I plead with you, just look into the water and see your
true reflection.
It is my prayer and blessing that when you look at your
reflection you will be able to see beyond imperfections and
self-doubts and recognize who you truly are--glorious sons
and daughters of Almighty God.
In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.