Wow! I’m astonished! But then again I’m not.
Women, you have GOT to LOVE YOURSELF and know WHOSE you are.
This morning I was working out a Curves. Yes, Curves. I love it! (Story to follow on why Curves.) The lady that was working out beside me was new. She had to be in her late sixties to mid-seventies. The employee (I like to call a “personal motivator”) asked her why she started coming. The seasoned citizen replied without hesitation, “Self-image. I have a very poor self-image.” My heart sank when I heard these words. I mean, I see and hear it with the middle school girls. In your teens, twenties, thirties, I observe(d) and hear young women talking about themselves and comparing themselves all the time. But at my co-exerciser’s age?…I would not have thought it still was an issue.
Sure, we can probably all look in the mirror and find fault in our bodies (I know I can). Even the ladies who are tone, hardly no body fat, and appear to have it all together physically can and do find some fault about themselves.
Why do we do this? Is it because of what we see in the media? Come on…you know how much those photos are touched-up. Is it because “Suzy Shape” looks great in all her clothes when yours may be a few sizes more than hers? Stop comparing yourself to others. God made you just the way you should be. He even broke the mold.
Yes, I do believe that we should take care of our bodies. They are God’s temple. You can tell through various posts I’ve done that I find exercise important. (Click here…about 27 posts in the “Get Fit” category!) But…do I do it because of a poor self-image? No way. Because feeling healthy and taking care of your body are important.
Sistas, PLEASE read the following scriptures. Treasure them. Appreciate Who breathed these words (God). He loves and adores YOU! You are made in His image. That’s pretty stinkin’ awesome! Embrace yourself.
“For you formed my inward parts; You kitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my souls knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but he Lord looks on the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7
“Do not let your adorning be external…but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
The Lord said in Isaiah 43: 4a, “because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…”
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him. Male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27
“Why, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie