She looked surprised when I asked her to crumple a crisp $20 bill, and even more surprised when I asked her to drop it and grind it into the floor!

It was during a presentation at the Pittsburgh Woman's Retreat, and after my volunteer was done stomping on it, I held up the dirty, crumpled $20 bill and asked the audience, "How much is this $20 bill worth now?" Of course the answer was still $20. When I straightened it out, I could go to any store and still spend it. Just because the $20 bill was crumpled up and ground into the floor did not cause it to lose its value.

So what does that have to do with you and me?

The stresses of life, the trials that come roaring in unexpectedly, can beat us down. We can begin to feel worthless to our families, on our jobs, in our community, at church and, most importantly, to God. Unmet deadlines, overcommitments, lack of rest and time for ourselves, all have a way of dragging us down and killing our self-worth. But are those feelings based on facts or are they just feelings?

It is at times like these that we must be reminded how much God values us. Christ said, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Luke 12:7, New International Version throughout).

We must be of great value—God gave His Son for us! There is no way He will give up on you.

But we do feel crushed and worthless at times, so what should we do?

Ask God to encourage you. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Our very loving God can lift us up, uncrumple us and encourage us.

So when things start pressing you down and making you feel worthless, remember the $20 bill lesson. Even though we may be crumpled up and ground into the dirt, we have not lost our value to God, for He paid a high price for you and me, that of His Son! He will not give up on His investment—you! He has the power to uncrumple you!

—Janet Treadway
Cincinnati East, Ohio, congregation