What do you think when you hear the words Begin, Start, Commence, Opening? There should be a refreshing optimism about these words, whether they refer to the dawn of a new day, the birth of a child, or the beginning of a new career path. Free of problems and full of promises. The belief that new beginnings bring new starts, stirring up hope and imaginative visions of the future. The book of Genesis explains the beginning of many important realities: the universe, the Earth, people, sin, and God's plan of salvation. Genesis, a word that signifies beginnings or origin, unravels the record of the world's inception, human history, family, civilization, and salvation. It is the narrative of God's purpose and plan for his creation. As the book of beginnings, Genesis sets the stage for the entire Bible, revealing the person and nature of God, the value and dignity of human beings, the tragedy and consequences of sin, and the promise and assurance of salvation. Genesis commences with God, a sight that immediately enlightens us as we witness Him fashioning the world in a majestic display of power and purpose, culminating with a man and woman made in His image. Genesis teaches us that the Earth is well-made and good. We are unique and special to God, and though, at times in this world, others and ourselves may treat us with disrespect, we can be confident of our dignity and worth because we are created in the image of God.