The other day my beautiful niece shared this quote on her Facebook page:
“It’s crazy how I adore women of all body sizes and shapes but I can’t accept my own.”
It was the last straw, and I knew I had to talk about it here. After hearing several people (in person and online) complain about the extra weight they’re carrying around and joking about overeating and not exercising, I knew I wasn’t the only one dealing with body image issues.
You see, I’ve been more than a little disgusted with myself whenever I look in the mirror. I see extra bulges of flesh and I know how they got there. I’ve gotten into the terrible habit of overeating to combat stress. I know I’m doing it but I can’t seem to stop snacking throughout the day.
I know there are other people who look in the mirror and see fat that isn’t even there. They convince themselves that they shouldn’t eat much of anything because they hate how they look.
Then there are people who don’t seem to mind being overweight. The culture applauds people who love themselves no matter what size they are, even though obesity can lead to many health problems.
So what are we supposed to do about body image?
Maybe it’s too complex to explore in one blog post, but I came across an online course a couple of weeks ago that wants to set women free from their struggles with body image issues. In 21 days, they say we can develop new habits and learn to get our eyes off of our body/weight/size/shape and onto God’s truth.
I thought and prayed about it and then I signed up. I’m ready to get some advice and encouragement so I can get back to eating in healthier ways (instead of snacking all day long).
God loves us just the way we are and he’ll keep loving us no matter what size we wear. But I believe he wants us to love him more than food, or exercise, or anything else.
He created each of us. We’re made in the image of God. That’s the image we should be focusing on; looking more and more like Jesus every day. Then we’ll be able to look in the mirror and see him reflected there instead of our imperfect bodies. Now that’s something to love!
I’m including a link in case you want to check it out and join me on this 21-day journey to a healthier mindset. It starts on Monday, February 1, 2021. (It’s $49 if you sign up by Sunday, January 31 and $59 after that.)
It’s fine if you don’t want to sign up, but take a little time this week to consider your own body image:
Do you sigh (or cry) every time you step on the scale?
What do you think when you see yourself in the mirror?
Are you obsessed with food (either eating too much or depriving yourself)?
Is what you think of your body holding you back from doing things that you’ve always wanted to do?
Are you always comparing yourself to other people?
Consider a few verses that might help you see yourself as God sees you:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14 NIV)
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
You are beautiful, my friend! Ask God to help you believe that. Try to focus more on your relationship with God than your relationship with food.
That’s what I’m planning to do. I’ll check back in a few weeks and let you know how it’s going.
How much do you struggle with body image? How can focusing on God help you to live a healthy, happy life?