Today, I am going to meditate on this passage from Zechariah 9:16 –  ”The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people.   They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.”  If jewels represent the power and wealth of an earthly king (have you seen pictures of England’s crown jewels?!), imagine yourself today as the representation of God’s sovereignty in the earth. That will do something for low self-esteem. He created us to live in this world as His glory. I’m not sure I do a great job of that all the time, but this Scripture certainly makes me want to walk a little taller, stand a little straighter, and smile a little brighter. After all, I am made for this.  

An article of mine is posted on the Radiant magazine website today, so I wanted to welcome new visitors to the blog. I hope you find something interesting to think about. Or maybe you’ll have an idea for me. Either way, it is great to have you here!Let’s celebrate the lives and journeys of Rare Rocks together!

The new summer issue of Radiant magazine came in the mail yesterday. You know I love this magazine because of its real-life applications and simple presentation. The tag line for the magazine goes right along with the diamonds analogy, too: Life from the Inside Out. This new issue even includes an article by Ann Swindell called “The Price of Luxury.” The article explores the issue of conflict diamonds and how a responsible consumer can be sure he or she is not contributing to the serious problems exposed in the recent Leonardo DiCaprio movie, Blood Diamond.

Swindell does a good job of summarizing the issue and giving practical advice from a balanced perspective. She gives two options: buying only diamonds from countries that have only the highest standards in the industry or finding solutions to resolve the corruption in the poor African countries that have a reputation for exporting the most conflict diamonds. The book I’m working on (Rare Rocks) has a section tentatively titled “Controversy and Contingencies.” In contingencies I write about how every analogy has its limitations – for instance, women have the opportunity for salvation while a diamond is stuck as it is forever, flawed or perfect. In controversies I write about how the modern day controversies surrounding diamonds, conflict diamonds being the most popular issue right now, can be directly related to the controversies surrounding women.

You can read my post on how women in crisis are like conflict diamonds (A note on controversy…from October 2006), but Swindell makes an excellent point in her recent article. The answer can’t always be to simply buy diamonds from other places like Canada in an effort to avoid the controversy altogether. That could translate to leaving the people in crisis all alone just when they need help the most. Avoiding the problem won’t solve the problem.

Instead, we have to take action to see change happen even if it means getting a little dirty. A website called Treasures (www.iamatreasure.com) tells the story of a women’s ministry to strippers and exotic dancers in L.A. Would it be easier for some of us to pretend these girls don’t even exist? Sure, but that won’t reflect the love of God. The women of Treasures are making a difference because they are willing to accept the mess for the hope of salvation. Salvation is the only hope for any of us and thankfully Jesus was willing to step into our controversy to make it happen.

Our newest treasure, born on Daddy’s birthday – June 11th.

Proverbs 31:10 “…her value is far above rubies and pearls…”

The cutting process for a diamond can be an ugly sight. When looking over a rough diamond, one that is barely recognizable as anything more than an interesting rock, a diamond cutter knows that sometimes more than 50% of that diamond will have to be cut away to produce the most beautiful finished gem possible. In spiritual terms this is like entering a life of discipleship. It is submitting to correction both through organized situations (like school or spiritual mentorship) and through the seemingly unplanned challenges of everyday life. We are shaped by our ability to learn from our mistakes and failures as well as through our diligent study of God and His ways.

Jesus used the analogy of vine dressing here (recorded beautifully by John in chapter 15 of his gospel) and the concepts are very similar. A vine dresser has to cut away branches for the sake of the plant’s future growth and fruit production. A diamond cutter analyzes which parts of the diamond are going to be the most effective at producing sparkle and reflecting light. Sometimes for the sake of a uniform, balanced cut, large sections of the rough diamond have to be cut away. But the result, even if it is smaller, is a diamond that is more beautiful. It is cut so that it can shine.

Settling for a life without discipline and accountability is like choosing to stay in a rough, uncut form. It may look interesting, but it is far from being gorgeous. We speak romantically of finding a diamond in the rough, but we don’t really want them to stay that way. We want our diamonds refined and smoothed. We want the work to be finished, which is what Jesus promises to do in us – finish the work that He started. That may require a cutting process that is less than enjoyable, but the end result is a life of beauty and grace.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in a powerful movie called “Blood Diamonds” that exposes the ugly world of diamond smuggling that has fueled civil wars in some African countries. This legitimate travesty has not been sufficiently solved despite efforts by the largest diamond distributors and continues to be a source of international concern.

When I first became aware of this controversy, I worried that it might spoil my analogy! : ) But so far, the analogy holds true. Just because some diamonds have been harvested and sold illegally does not negate the fact that they are still amazing creations. Should you stop buying diamonds? That is between you and your conscience, but a woman’s past is just that – history.

So, be moved to what ever action you deem appropriate concerning these controversies, but remember: a diamond is an awe-inspiring gem despite the fact that its beauty has been exploited and its history has been traumatic. Women are no different. Around this small world of ours women are demoralized everyday. In famine lands, girls are rationed more strictly than boys. Under extremist governments, women are forced to abdicate positions of influence just because they are female. In the fashion world, women are manipulated into believing lies about what is beautiful based on current trends and money-driven decision makers.

As women, our history is marred as well. We are trafficked and manipulated. But that does not change the fact that God created us as chosen possessions. We are His workmanship. Our job is to rise above the drama and embrace a new future. Our hope is to find identity in Him.