Today has been a day for thinking...Thinking of faith, and morals, the future, the significance of the coming months, as well as my own self-image. I was with my mom this morning watching a documentary where one of the subjects was focused, and unhappy with her own self-image, until her realization of the fact that she only feels the way she does because she lets herself.
By looking at the way a second, or third party observer would see her the character in the documentary was able to come to the realization that she was beautiful, not because the world thought she was beautiful, but because she saw and came to terms with the understanding that she must first find the beauty in herself. If you find you fall short in how you feel about yourself weather that is your body, or your tendency to give in to other people, people claiming that you are too giving, or too introverted/extroverted etc...see that those people themselves might find some fault in who they are.
Have you ever just looked in the mirror and weather it was out loud or not said "I hate you", "You are ugly/fat/old" etc...? When you look at the reflection in the mirror remember that even if there is no one in your life that someone loves you just as you are, and that he made you that way. If you can see that the way you are made is the way you are suppose to be by some divine reason, then you may be able to come to the realization that you yourself are gorgeous, and that you do love yourself.
Take your time for a night and soak in the tub, or shower. Even though you can never look through the eyes of God, look at your hands, search the curves from your tips to the knuckles to the bend of your wrist, the shape of your arms and legs, and try, you don't have to right away, but try to see your own beauty.Think of the things about yourself that you are thankful for and would never change, even if you could wave the magic wand and it would be your visioned ideal.
Even if physically or spiritually you don't find yourself smart enough, spiritual enough, strong enough, or beautiful enough be assured that you were made this way for a reason, and that there are no real expectations for you to live up to. You are the expectation. Love yourself because in looking at that image in the mirror you might not realize it but that person you see reflected back at you is perfection. When God made you he made you perfect for the life you will live, and learn.
So tonight's mission is this, look at your reflection sisters, and see the things you wish you could change. Ask yourself if you would really want to change that part of yourself. If the answer is yes, then set a plan to change it. If the problem you see is a matter of something that cannot be changed, and is just part of who you are, learn to accept these small failings. Please remember sisters, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Even if you don't like those things, they are part of who you are, and God loves you regardless.
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Hey Sammey. I would say that the majority of women struggle with self-image problems. When I have times of struggle, I try to tell myself that I was made in the image of God and He created me just as I needed to be for the purpose He has for my life, just like you said here in your post. It's hard to block out society's viewpoint of what "beautiful" is, but when I can see myself as God sees me, saved by grace and made perfectly for His good purpose, it really helps me to feel good about myself!
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