Who I am.

A Facebook friend posted a compilation video of the body toxicity we were fed in the early 2000’s – Nicole Richie being asked if she thought her weight gain would make her lose jobs, America’s Next Top Model, Howard Stern and Anna Nicole Smith “get on the scale so we can over/under your weight,” Simon Cowell and American Idol…the list goes on. Truth be told, it was disgusting then when you saw it in individual instances, but the compilation was so beyond gross. My friend’s call to action was to stop feeding this to our children and start focusing on what really matters – kindness, individual talents, their brains…you get it.

As the mother to a daughter now this hit even harder, and it got me thinking about how I was going to ensure that she doesn’t grow up hating what is in the mirror. Step 1: I need to be more positive about my own body…but it wasn’t long before I was thinking about what God says about us. So today, whether you’re male or female, no matter your weight or what you look like, I want to spend some time reminding you of how God, the Creator of everything, sees you.

• God created you in his own image. Genesis 1:27

• You are precious and honored in his sight; he will give people and nations in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:4

• You are chosen, holy, beloved, and blameless. Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 1:4

• You are God’s personal handiwork, a masterpiece. Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 2:10

• You are God’s temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16

• You are alive, forgiven, and free. Colossians 2:13-14

• You are not condemned. Romans 8:1

• You are an overcomer. 1 John 4:4

• You are his friend. John 15:15

• You are an heir with Jesus, a citizen of heaven. Galatians 4:7, Philippians 3:20

• You are a child of God. John 1:12-13

  
  

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) 

If more of us took to heart what the Bible tells us God sees in us, our society would be a lot more positive in general; we’d crush the low self-esteem epidemic, control the depression and anxiety that is terrorizing our world, and generally be more adjusted, happier people. I’d like to think this would also lead to a kinder generation.

If you’re struggling with your outward appearance, I want to encourage you today to look inward. When we are called to a life with Christ, we’re called to abandon what the world believes and values. We’re supposed to be different; unique from each other with a variety of talents that, when leveraged together, make a beautiful bride of Christ. That’s what’s important. Outward beauty means nothing if you’re a bitter, angry, mean person on the inside.  We aren't in junior high anymore...

That’s all I’ve got for today. There are many, many more scriptures that define you – what did I leave out? Is there one that gives you encouragement each day?

Let’s take on a challenge together…let’s be intentional about reminding our brothers and sisters who are struggling who they truly are; let us point their eyes from the mirror to the Word, from the world to the Savior.