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When I was considering to blog, I had this difficulty: I wondered if I had anything to say, or whether I had anything to add to the conversation.

There are so many incredible writers publishing books and blogs, and my voice is so very small in the grand scheme of things.

To help me decide what I’d have anything to say about, I wrote a question on a sticky note and posted it on my desk: What is the message that I am bringing? What I landed on was this – I want you to know that you matter. I want my friends to know that although they may feel small or insignificant in the grand scheme of things that they have purpose, that they are important, intelligent, beautiful, inspiring, brave and strong.

Really, I want you to know that there is a reason you’re in this world, and you make it better.

I have been so very blessed to have the encouragement and support of people who believed that there was a purpose for me in each step of my journey. They’ve told me in many different ways that I was created with purpose and that it is worth pursuing. Their voices have been clear and consistent and enormously influential.

There have been detractors, for sure. Mean Girls don’t always quit their campaigns to cut others down when they leave high school. Those voices have sometimes seemed the loudest, and often come from the most hurtful and unlikely of people and places.

But there is a still, small Voice that reminds me that you and I have been designed as masterpieces. That we have been gifted in unique and beautiful ways. And that because His eye is on the sparrow, He has not forgotten us, and we matter.

And you know what? We small people work better together. Some of my favourite flowers are those on cherry trees in the springtime. Riotous clusters of bravely pink flowers covering what appeared to be a barren tree just weeks before. Just one tiny flower would be pretty, but not quite as stunning – together, they’re spectacular.

If you feel small, know this – we have been called to be salt and light in this world.

Most recipes call for the tiniest amount of salt in comparison to other ingredients – it is small and enormously powerful. The nightlight in Sweet Girl’s bedroom, though insignificant in comparison to other lights, is amazingly effective in dispelling darkness and fear.

You matter, friend. Though you are small, you are mighty. And you make a difference. Truly.

Ellen