Leah - Rachel's Sister

picture credit: motherscircle.net

When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb..."This time I will praise the Lord."

Genesis 29:31 and 35

Leah was the older sister of Rachel.  Both daughter of Laban, who happened to be the deceptive brother of the conniving Rebekah - the mother of the deceitful Jacob - the sisters shared husband.  And some think the Bible is full of rainbows and lollipops!

Leah is described in a way that leads the reader to believe she is lacking in the looks department - her name means Cow and she is immediately compared to Rachel - "Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form and beautiful." (Genesis 29:17)

But even when Leah seemed unloved by anyone on earth - God loved her and blessed her - and in return, Leah praised the Lord.

It's so hard to be compared to your younger sister.  I know this story all too well.  My sister was funny and smart and naturally talented at whatever she tried.  She was fun and out-going and not afraid of the world.  She said what she thought, never worried about how someone might feel...

...and I was none of those things.

I was awkward and shy and the opposite of smart.  I was neither athletic nor musical.  I was even advised not to return to ballet class because I lacked "grace" - even earning the nickname "Grace" by my frequent trips and falls (a trait I'm afraid I may have passed along to my own sweet and awkward daughter...).  I worried, WORRY too much about what others are thinking.  And although I'd love to be the life of the party, most of the time you can find my shy and reserved self in a corner or up against the wall - just trying to blend in.

We could not be any more different.  And I was frequently compared to my sister.  When it came to grades, my dad would pull out my report card from two years earlier and compare it to her most recent report card, pointing out her excellent grades and my less than acceptable ones.  It was awful.  

Actually, just this past weekend, I flew to Seattle to celebrate with my sister her graduation with a PhD in Prosthetics - one of only a very few in the country to hold this degree.  And yesterday she flew to France to speak at an international prosthetics convention.

In case you were wondering - I teach preschool and for the summer I am filling in as daycare for my cousin.

Compared to my sister - I am not much.  I don't measure up by the worldly standards.  But, thankfully, almost 20 years ago, I began to realize that I am not defined by the world.  I was not created to be compared to another person.  I am seen by One "not as man sees", but only as my Father sees.  He sees me as one who He fearfully and wonderfully made me.  And I am always enough in His eyes.

Can you relate to Leah?  Do you struggle with the lies that comparison will breed?

Just like Leah, He knows when you are hurting and He chooses to bless you.  And just like Leah, you can choose to praise Him!

Sometimes when I read this story of two sisters, I WISH I would identify more with Rachel - the beautiful, younger sister, desired by all.  But then I remember that I am God's masterpiece - created for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10) - created with unique gifts and talents and callings.  And my identity is found only in Christ.  My purpose is known by my Father - and His love never fails.

PS - I love and adore my sister and I am so proud of all that she has accomplished!  She has worked so hard for her degree, and I think she's pretty amazing!  Also, there has been healing and forgiveness with my dad, and he and I are the best of friends.  I love him dearly and also think the world of him.

You can read more about Leah's story at She Reads Truth.