For many years, I ran away from God, because I wanted to do life through my own might and power. Then one day, I collapsed.

Ten years ago, I was in the midst of healing from my eating disorder. I felt guilty and ashamed inside for not being able to "heal myself". I felt unworthy of receiving love in my heart and constantly beat myself up for not being “good enough”. 

One night, I woke up in the middle of the night, with tears running down my face. I just knew I couldn't go on like this any longer. I felt so broken and shattered inside. I felt crushed under the spell of anxiety.

That night, I desperately cried out into thin air, "God, or if anyone is out there, please help me!" I did not know who I was crying out to but I knew I could no longer do life on my own. 

Suddenly, I felt a "nudge" inside that prompted me to open a book that had been tucked under my bed for many years. It was a book of Bible verses that a friend had gifted to me many years ago.

The words that poured out from the book shook my heart like no other.

 God sees me as precious as the jewels on a crown. It was a verse from Isaiah 62. 

A jewel? I thought to myself. I felt so broken inside. Shame and guilt filled my heart for not being able to "fix myself" from my eating disorder and anxiety. Yet, God still sees me as beautiful, pure and precious— just like a gemstone on a royal crown. 

I remember my heart turning inside of me and the tears running down my cheeks, not from pain, but because I experienced this warmth inside and a depth of love that I could not explain.

That night was a turning point in my life. My heart prompted me to go back to church again and I began to experience this deep sense of joy, peace, and hope—  something I had only dreamed of after years of anxiety.

God began to heal me, from the inside out.

When I encountered the Iridescent collection from No Other Name Jewelry, its message brought a tear to my eye. The necklace was a reminder of my life story. When God's light shines through even a dull gemstone, it is illuminated beautifully from the inside out, just like how we radiate from within through God's love.

Every time I wear my necklace, it reminds me of the faithfulness and love of our God.

- Rio Watanabe

Musician, lifestyle artist, and coach empowering spirit-led creatives to kick start a heart-centered lifestyle and business they love.
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