In a world of social media, fitness gurus and movie stars, it’s so easy to get in our heads and struggle with body image. It’s a big topic in our culture and media right now, and I’d like to share some food for thought on how to approach body image with a healthy and God-honoring mindset.
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See Yourself Through God’s Eyes
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
One of the most frustrating things about insecurities with body image is that it blinds our eyes to the beauty that God has lovingly bestowed upon us! Often times, and I’m speaking for myself here too, we only see the beauty in others and we are unable to see how beautifully He created us.
During my teenage years especially, I struggled with body image in the midst of the beach culture and always being in a swimsuit. I’d look at everyone else and think that I looked pretty different, especially because of my arm.
But God has showed me that I have so many other things to be thankful for with the way that He made my body! How could I hate on what He’s created?
He’s made me strong and able to surf well! He’s made me healthy and able to bear 3 incredible kiddos! This body takes me the places I want to go and allows me to do the things I want to do! What a gift!
Friends, let’s pray that God would show us how to see ourselves the way that He sees us!
God fashioned us with love and care. We are beautiful in His sight and that is a truth that we can rest in, no matter how we are feeling about ourselves. We are known and loved by God, made without blemish. This can give us confidence to go into the world more secure as who He made us to be.
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Shift Your Focus to Staying Healthy
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
The media frequently defines one standard of beauty as higher or greater than others. However, if God has made us all uniquely beautiful, shouldn’t we just be striving to keep our bodies healthy and to steward them well, not to change them?
I encourage you to find routines, foods and exercises that keep your body healthy and make you feel good. Just take small steps at a time and don’t focus on trying to be “skinny” or looking a certain way, but on taking care of yourself.
For me, I’m determined to surf even when I’m old and gray! I want to take care of myself well now so that I can prevent, as much as possible anyways, future health issues that would hinder that. So much of that stems back to how I treat my body today!
Above all, I encourage you to just be YOU! I know that may sound cliché, but God created you individually for a distinct purpose, with specific talents and with unique beauty. Don’t miss that! Don’t try and be someone else – embrace who God made you to be!
Lots of love,
P.S. Need some tips and words of wisdom on this topic? Check out my Let Go of Comparison and Anchor Your Identity Courses!
