Truth Inspired Stories
You Matter Series
A Journey of Faith, Hope, and Love: Embracing Your Worth As a Daughter of the King
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An interview with Tammie Dillon Smith
Welcome to today’s blog post, where we have the privilege of diving into a heartfelt interview with Tammie Dillon Smith. Tammie is an HR Consultant and Career Coach. Her mission is to inspire hope in those who feel stuck, helping them realize their potential and worth. Tammie graciously agreed to share her story with us, reflecting on her favorite quotes and Bible verses and revealing how her faith in God has been the guiding force in recognizing her own worth and the worth of others. Let’s dive right in!
Interviewer: Thank you, Tammie, for joining us today. I’m excited to explore the concept of recognizing our worth and the worth of others and how we can live differently in light of this. Let’s start by hearing more about you. Can you share a little bit about who you are and what you do?
Tammie: Of course! I’m Tammie Dillon Smith, an HR Consultant, and Career Coach. But beyond my professional life, I believe in embracing various roles. I see myself as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, best friend, encourager, coffee addict, friend to the broken, and most importantly, a Jesus-follower. I love to give hope to those who feel stuck!
Interviewer: That’s wonderful, Tammie. I can see how those roles help shape anyone’s perspective in recognizing the value and worth of ourselves and others. And, it sounds like you have a deep passion for helping others. Before we continue, is there a particular quote or Bible verse that inspires you?
Tammie: Absolutely. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Finding Significance In Everyday Moments
Interviewer: I love that verse! There is so much comfort in it. It is a beautiful reminder that we are all part of God’s plan and that each person has a unique purpose given to us by God. He delights in giving us a future and a hope that is secure in Him. Before we dive further into the importance of recognizing our worth and that of others, what is something small that personally holds significant value to you?
Tammie: Handwritten cards or notes of encouragement as well as handmade gifts from those dear to me are small things that truly matter.
Interviewer: That is so special!! These simple, thoughtful gestures are excellent reminders of the genuine care and love shared between people. When was the last time you felt a strong sense of being valued and knowing that you matter? Was it through a handwritten note or something entirely different?
Tammie: I experience it every day through the smiles and hugs from others—they remind me of the impact I have on people. I know I matter when I can make someone feel loved and appreciated. Hearing the words, “Thank you for being here,” affirms my sense of purpose and significance.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
—Jeremiah 29:11
Anchored in Faith
Interviewer: I have had the great honor of calling you a friend for many years now. Throughout our friendship, I have seen your faith in God play a significant role in recognizing your own worth and the worth of others. In a sentence or two, can you share how your faith helps you?
Tammie: Absolutely. Without my faith, I would easily feel discouraged and alone.
Interviewer: I agree completely. Knowing that He is the Great Encourager and always with us, we can find a comfort unlike any other through His love and His presence.
When someone says, “You matter,” what thoughts or emotions first come to your mind?
Tammie: Appreciation and value.
God's Gentle Reminders
Interviewer: Yes, I agree, it’s a powerful affirmation of appreciation and value. It’s recognizing that each person has worth and significance. We all long to be seen and acknowledged, and hearing those words can have such a profound impact.
Moving on to something bigger that matters to you, what holds tremendous value in your life?
Tammie: Healthy relationships, particularly within my family, matter the most to me.
Interviewer: Family is very special. The bonds we share with our loved ones are so meaningful, and nurturing those connections brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment.
Tammie, can you recall a time when embracing the belief that you matter made a significant difference in your life and family? How did it impact you?
Tammie: Certainly. Eight years ago, my marriage of 23 years ended, and I felt utterly broken. He told me he didn’t love me anymore and that he was no longer attracted to me. That hurt so much. Additionally, my oldest son rejected me, which was incredibly painful. This was one of the hardest parts of my life. During that challenging period, it was difficult to believe I mattered to anyone. I felt as though I was nothing. However, God brought an amazing, loving husband into my life. Experiencing his love, a love that I hadn’t experienced before, made me realize that I do matter and that I am worthy of love. Some days are still painful as my son will still not respond to my calls, texts, or emails. It has hurt my heart so much. However, one night, my stepdaughter called me to tell me how much I mean to her. She told me she loved me and how grateful she was that I married her dad. This reminded me that although I lost a son I miss very much, I have gained a daughter. And, she has surrendered her life to Christ in servanthood of Him. In the brokenness, God’s faithfulness and His promise that I am His daughter has brought healing and restoration to my heart. I matter.
Valuing Others as God Values Us
Interviewer: I am so thankful that God can bring unexpected blessings and show us that we matter even in loss. It’s absolutely incredible how God can use our struggles and experiences to remind us of our worth and importance. Because the truth is that you do matter—very much so. You matter to others and to Him.
In light of all that you walked through, how does forgiveness and grace from God play a role in recognizing your worth and the worth of others?
Tammie: God showed me His love in those moments—heartbroken, crying on the floor after my marriage had ended. The sting of rejection from my oldest son. The betrayal from people I thought were my friends. All of it was hard. Then God did as He always does and brought people into my life to show me His love and acceptance in hard times. Through the hardships, He always provides a song, message, or friendships to remind me I’m His and not forsaken.
Interviewer: These instances of grace are such beautiful reminders to us all that we are not forsaken and that our ultimate worth is rooted in God’s love. We can extend the same to others because of His love and forgiveness.
Tammie, your journey of recognizing your worth through the eyes of God is undoubtedly inspiring. How has embracing this belief influenced your connections with others?
Tammie: Embracing the truth that I matter has filled me with hope and joy through Christ. It has transformed how I interact with people, allowing me to love them where they are on their journey. I strive to make everyone I encounter feel valued and cherished by offering hugs, friendship, and prayers when needed.
Interviewer: That’s truly beautiful, Tammie. How does the “You Matter” concept relate to the biblical command of loving our neighbors as ourselves?
Tammie: Each and every human being matters to God; we are His creation, and He has never left us. We are the ones that drift away from Him. But, He patiently waits for us to return to His side.
Interviewer: He cherishes us deeply, doesn’t he?! Recognizing this truth compels us to extend love, compassion, and acceptance to others, treating them with the same kindness and respect that we desire for ourselves. In the Bible, we find teachings emphasizing the value and worth of every human being. How can we apply these teachings to our daily lives and interactions with others?
Tammie: Psalm 100:3 beautifully illustrates this truth: “Know that the Lord, he is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Know that the Lord, he is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
—Psalm 100:3
Building bridges beyond comparison
Interviewer: That’s a powerful verse! It is He who made us, and we are His. Understanding that every person is made by God helps us acknowledge their value. By actively valuing and appreciating others, we can create a culture of love, empathy, and understanding in our daily interactions.
As we continue to seek to live this out, what is something that has the potential to make you feel as though you don’t matter and that you’re actively guarding yourself against?
Tammie: Comparing myself to others is something that can easily make me feel insignificant. However, I’ve learned to lean on God’s love and grace to counteract the negative impact of such comparisons. It is through Christ that I feel empowered and confident. Through Him, I can do anything.
Interviewer: Tammie, it is such an encouragement how He helps you flee from the temptation of comparison and stand firm in the confidence of Christ. Time and time again, your journey is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of embracing our worth. How can we use our struggles and experiences to encourage and uplift others who may feel like they don’t matter?
Tammie: We can love them where they are—by sharing our stories of God’s love and grace, we can offer hope and reassurance to those who are struggling. Through love, patience, and understanding, we can walk alongside them on their journey, reminding them that they are not alone and that they do matter.
A Prayer for Recognizing Our Worth and the worth of others
Interviewer: I love that!—“We can love them where they are.” Our struggles can serve as powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness and can bring comfort and encouragement to others. If you could recommend one resource to someone who is struggling to believe that they matter, what would it be?
Tammie: I would recommend Right Now Media. This online platform offers a wealth of resources, including teachings and messages from great teachers and speakers. It provides a variety of content that can inspire and uplift those who may be struggling to recognize their worth.
Interviewer: That’s a great suggestion! How can we incorporate the message “You Matter” into and outside our faith communities to help others feel loved and valued?
Tammie: One practical way is to spend quality time with people inside and outside our faith communities. Engage with coworkers, family, and friends who may be struggling, and actively listen, learn, and be present with them. By showing genuine care and empathy, we can make a difference. We will find wisdom on what to say or do in each unique situation through God’s guidance.
Interviewer: Tammie, how can we use our faith, talents, and abilities to serve others and help them recognize their worth and the worth of others?
Tammie: We can use our faith, talents, and abilities to serve others by being open to the opportunities God brings our way. When we are humble and kind, we create an environment where others feel valued and loved. Through acts of service, prayer, and extending love to those around us, we can help them recognize their worth and the worth of others.
Interviewer: That is so true. Can you share a time when you felt God was using you to remind someone else that they matter? What impact did it have on them?
Tammie: Absolutely! There is a virtual voicemail platform called Marco Polo that I have used to reconnect with dear friends. One friend, in particular, sends me messages daily now. She shares how much it means to her to hear my voice and see my face. She has been going through some trials, and receiving my messages makes her feel like I’m right there with her.
Interviewer: That’s truly heartwarming, Tammie. It’s a small gesture but a sweet reminder that she matters and that she is not alone. Is there a specific Bible verse or passage that you would encourage others to reflect on when it comes to recognizing our worth and the worth of others in the eyes of God? And, can you share how you live it out in your daily life?
Tammie: Absolutely. I would encourage others to reflect on Psalm 139:14 and 1 John 3:1, which says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” and “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” My true joy and positive attitude come from knowing I am a daughter of the King, and He is always with me.
Interviewer: Such great truth! Recognizing our worth and the worth of others starts with understanding the beauty and uniqueness with which God has made us. I love how the two verses you referenced remind us that we are children of God. He not only created us, but He is our loving Dad. It’s not just about me or you; it’s about the collective—children of God.
Lastly, could you share a quick prayer about the importance of recognizing our worth and the worth of others in the eyes of God?
Tammie: Certainly!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the daily reminder of Your creation. As we wake up each morning, help us to look in the mirror and see that we are beautifully and wonderfully made. Remind us that we are Your beloved daughters and sons, created with purpose and intention. Give us the confidence to live our lives knowing that we have a future with You.
Help us, Father, to love others the way You love us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Your daughter, Tammie
Interviewer: Yes, Lord, You are a loving and gracious Father. Open our hearts to see the worth and value in those around us. Teach us to extend kindness, compassion, and grace to everyone we encounter. May our words and actions reflect the love and grace You have shown us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. That’s such a heartfelt prayer, Tammie. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. Your journey of recognizing your worth and helping others do the same is such an inspiration.
Tammie: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to share my thoughts and my story. I hope it encourages others to embrace their worth and spread love to those around them. I love this quote by A.T., and it is my hope that others remember, “God doesn’t need you. God wants you.”
Commissioning: Demonstrate the love of God
In this encouraging interview, Tammie Dillon Smith shared wisdom on recognizing our worth as children of God and extending that understanding to others. Through transparency and vulnerability, she briefly discussed the sensitive topic of divorce. At Truth Inspired, we understand divorce can be a deeply painful and challenging process, impacting individuals and families on multiple levels. In light of this, we want to share a valuable resource, “What the Bible Says about Divorce and Remarriage” by Wayne Grudem, to provide insight and guidance from a biblical perspective. By diving into the biblical teachings on divorce and remarriage, we can find a renewed understanding of God’s unwavering love and grace in the midst of difficult circumstances and His heart for redemption.
May this resource and Tammie’s words inspire us to embrace God’s promises all-the-more, understanding that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of our Creator. There is nothing that can snatch us from His hand. He loves us with an everlasting love. Through this truth, let us be a people who extend genuine love, grace, and compassion to everyone we encounter, regardless of their circumstances or past experiences. Let us love like Jesus!
About the Author
Tammie Dillon Smith resides with her husband, Ron, in Juneau, AK. She is an exceptional HR Representative with over 13 years of experience helping others. Tammie graduated from Wayland Baptist University. Her HR experience is vast as she has worked in the corporate world, international, real estate, tribal, and government. She added to her education with a life and health coach certification in 2016. Together, Ron and Tammie have five children. In her free time, Tammie loves reading, traveling, hiking, sightseeing, scrapbooking, and watching movies.