Body Image

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)

I have body image issues.  Medications and poor choices in what I eat have led to me gaining a lot of weight.  The weight impacts my other health conditions.  I try to monitor what I eat and how much I eat, but nothing changes.  In a world that places so much stock on image it can cause one to get down and depressed.  But, I have to look beyond my outer self and remember the real goal, to look more like Christ everyday.

God knows me intimately.  He knows my thoughts and my heart.  He chose to create me and He chose me to be His child.  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ~ Colossians 3:12  I should be concerned that people are seeing compassion. That they are seeing a woman who cares about the concerns and sufferings of others with an aim to help.  They should see a woman who is kind and humble, not thinking herself above anyone else.  The should gentleness and patience in my interactions, extending grace as I have received grace.  

I have to remind myself that I am loved and was created with love and tender care.  I am a work of art created by God, one of a kind, and He loves me.  He does not make mistakes.  The body I am in now is just an outer shell its not the new creation that His shed blood on calvary has caused me to be.  My dress size, although in full transparency I wish I could bring down, is not the goal.  It is my goal to be an ambassador for Christ. 

 I asked God to let me live a life where others would know that I have been with Him.  He answered that prayer this week when a student asked me if I was a Christian because He heard me say Jesus.  He shared that He was getting baptized this Sunday.  He is excited and I am excited for Him.  That student didn't see my plus sized body, He saw Jesus.  The enemy would have me disheartened over my body, but I will not let him have the last word.  Jesus has the only words I need.

Lord,  You know my struggles with body image and the concerns that come with it, but help me to remember who You say that I am.  Help me to focus on the things that matter and love myself because You love me.  I pray for any woman who may be experiencing similar emotions.  Let us stand on Your word.  In Jesus name. Amen