I know what it is like to feel ugly. I know what it is like to feel like you are always going to feel this way. To think there is no escape. It matters not what size you are, body image issues do not discriminate. As someone who is small I have felt like everyone hated me for my size. I have been approached by complete strangers who asked me if I was anorexic. Asking someone this, is not a compliment, my friend, and it hurts just the same as someone calling you fat. To me it seems like the media glorifies those women who have “some meat on their bones” while looking with disgust at those who are tiny.
I am too big. I am too small. I have too much acne. I have bad hair. I have thought, “I am ugly.” Body image issues do not discriminate. Here’s the great news, I no longer feel this way! And neither do you have to! Our wonderful Bridegroom in heaven died, “for freedom to set us free.” Christ did not die so we could continue to struggle and be held down in bondage. He died so we could be free; so that you could have life more abundantly! Do not believe the lies. The enemy wants you to believe you must always struggle with this. But, I am here to be a witness to you, so that you might know you can be set free. So that you might be encouraged to know it has happened for others. A great hymn says, “It is no secret, what God can do; What He's done for others, He'll do for you.”
When your identity is in Christ you will gain a confidence like no other! Where before I used to care what others think, now I know who I am in Christ. I know I am beautiful and no one can tell me otherwise because the Lord himself told me so.
Quick story. One night when I was driving home from Wal-Mart a song came on the radio. That song was, Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars. As I listen to the words I could hear Jesus saying those very words to me (minus the sexy part). I broke down crying when I got home because I was so overwhelmed by His love for me. Listen to it as if the Lord is singing to you (Zep 3:17) and see if you too are not encouraged. (Just listen, close your eyes and picture Jesus singing to you. Don't watch the video lest you get distracted.)
As I was saying, I now have this confidence that I could have never imagined having. It’s not a cocky or arrogant sort of confidence but one that comes from putting your trust in God. It is quiet and peaceful yet strong and bold. It lives in your inner most being and no one, save yourself, can take it from you.
My friend whenever thoughts of you being unworthy come, take them captive immediately. Thoughts come to me sometimes and I must do this very thing so that my peace is not disturbed. Do not dwell on the lies the enemy sold you. Dwell on the truth found in the word of God. I pray that the Lord will strengthen you in your inner most being and that your hearts may be comforted so that you may comforts others. That you may have the power to comprehend what is the depths of the love of Christ so that you may be filled with the fullness of God. God Bless you my friend. And may you find your freedom and identity in Him. He loves you so!
Here is another song to listen that reminds us of the truth. "You are worth more than Gold." | |