Diamonds in the Rough
You are a jewel! A treasure! A priceless diamond! There's no one else in this whole world quite like you. You're one of a kind. You were designed and fashioned by God's hand -- and He doesn't make mistakes. As the old saying goes, "God don't make junk!" Yes, you're a diamond, and so am I. So is your spouse, your parents, your children, your relatives, your co-workers, your friends. Now, that's a genuine treasure trove!! Shiver me timbers!! However, there's one little problem. We're still diamonds in the rough: not yet smoothed and polished. Quite a bit of "coalish carbon" remains. Our rugged edges and odd shapes lead to conflicts, irritations, and misunderstandings with the other "diamonds" around us. This is why we must go through difficulties. The Master Jeweler knows exactly what is needed to shape us according to the best design and make us shine. He uses the hammer of hardship and the anvil of angst to knock off the...