•Sunday, May 24, 2009
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV.
The human body is an amazingly complex mechanism. The brain intrigues me with its many functions and abilities, some of which we are still in the process of discovering. The nervous system is another example of an intricate and ingenious work of art. But let’s be honest here, cellulite and stretch marks are more “fearful” than they are “wonderful.” I mean, do you know anyone who’s ever been awed and inspired by them?
After confessing my love affair with M&M’s, it only seemed appropriate to discuss a related topic: body issues. Did I mention that I have a whole tub of clothes that no longer fit? I’m saving them for when and if I ever lose the weight, or more likely, when they’ll fit my daughter in two years.
Have you ever thought about the amount of time and money women invest into being beautiful? The manicures/pedicures, hair coloring and cutting, the products and devices for styling, the make-up and skin care regime… Whew! It’s a lot of work. Then, we have to reduce our carbs and increase our exercise and in the end, we still aren’t pleased with our appearance. Meanwhile, men shower and shave. Ok, I guess they might have body issues too. So they have to diet and exercise--it’s still less work!
It just seems to me that this struggle to be beautiful is a self-defeating cycle. Some women are naturally beautiful, and some of us do the best we can and will never resemble those gorgeous, tall, skinny celebrities. So what? Maybe that’s not the end of the world.
We are all God’s creations, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He’s not concerned with the outward appearance that others might judge us by. God looks at the true person hidden within the shelter of the human body. He invested himself into our existence, our construction, and he was pleased with the accomplishment. It’s ok to devote some time to hygiene and style; in fact, it’s an expression of our self-respect. But let’s be careful not to get sucked into false expectations that set us up for self-depreciating attitudes.
Anyone else guilty as charged?
Let’s take this week to meditate on the loving hand which designed us. When God looks at us, he doesn’t notice the big pointed nose or the muffin roll. He just sees your heart and accepts you for who you are. Can you do the same? Can you accept and love yourself even if you’re not a runway model?
The human body is an amazingly complex mechanism. The brain intrigues me with its many functions and abilities, some of which we are still in the process of discovering. The nervous system is another example of an intricate and ingenious work of art. But let’s be honest here, cellulite and stretch marks are more “fearful” than they are “wonderful.” I mean, do you know anyone who’s ever been awed and inspired by them?
After confessing my love affair with M&M’s, it only seemed appropriate to discuss a related topic: body issues. Did I mention that I have a whole tub of clothes that no longer fit? I’m saving them for when and if I ever lose the weight, or more likely, when they’ll fit my daughter in two years.
Have you ever thought about the amount of time and money women invest into being beautiful? The manicures/pedicures, hair coloring and cutting, the products and devices for styling, the make-up and skin care regime… Whew! It’s a lot of work. Then, we have to reduce our carbs and increase our exercise and in the end, we still aren’t pleased with our appearance. Meanwhile, men shower and shave. Ok, I guess they might have body issues too. So they have to diet and exercise--it’s still less work!
It just seems to me that this struggle to be beautiful is a self-defeating cycle. Some women are naturally beautiful, and some of us do the best we can and will never resemble those gorgeous, tall, skinny celebrities. So what? Maybe that’s not the end of the world.
We are all God’s creations, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He’s not concerned with the outward appearance that others might judge us by. God looks at the true person hidden within the shelter of the human body. He invested himself into our existence, our construction, and he was pleased with the accomplishment. It’s ok to devote some time to hygiene and style; in fact, it’s an expression of our self-respect. But let’s be careful not to get sucked into false expectations that set us up for self-depreciating attitudes.
Anyone else guilty as charged?
Let’s take this week to meditate on the loving hand which designed us. When God looks at us, he doesn’t notice the big pointed nose or the muffin roll. He just sees your heart and accepts you for who you are. Can you do the same? Can you accept and love yourself even if you’re not a runway model?
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5 comments:
Good post, and so true. Glad to see you're writing weekly.
So true. Great blog.
So true. And so much easier said than done!
We cannot believe our own eyes...they will deceive us. Everytime we look in the mirror they tell us we are inperfect or worse yet... a monster.
So true. Being kind to yourself and not thinking the worst of yourself can be hard. I have struggled with this most of my life. I can find the most amazing things about others and be their cheer leader. But becoming my own best friend and a cheer leader for myself. Well that is a long journey!!! Great one! Rebekah I am so proud.