Self-image

The Bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14) and it’s true.  Our ankle bones (which for most of us are smaller than our legs) pivot, swivel, bend, rock and absorb massive impacts while carrying much larger bones (and flesh) above them.  Our digestive system (for the most part) bundles up everything we put in it, sorts it out again, sends the good stuff where it needs to go and gets rid of the junk.  And think of all the ligament and muscle coordination it takes for us to watch a tennis match. 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made but by self-image, I’m talking about what we see in the mirror.  All those little (or big) things we don’t like.  Too skinny, too fat, straight stringy hair, kinky curly hair, chicken legs, matchstick arms, flabby arms, big booty, no booty and the list goes on.  Aging doesn’t help.  Losing weight, gaining weight, wrinkles, saggy skin, going bald or growing hair where it’s not wanted only compounds the problem.

For the last 6 years, I have been slowly losing weight.  I’m down 46 pounds and have 15 to go.  I was walking through a store and saw a lady about my size who had on the cutest outfit.  My first thought was ‘wish I could wear something like that’.  Although I look at myself in the mirror and can acknowledge that I am smaller, I still can’t see myself wearing something cute like that.

Because of certain circumstances, I have been wrestling with my self-image a lot lately.  Plus, (don’t tell anyone else) I now have jiggly fat.  E-e-w-w-w.   I’ve never had jiggly fat.  Needless to say, my self-image has taken a definite hit.  Last Sunday morning when the band was practicing, the Spirit of the Lord was so real.  When the service started, the Spirit said “Let me show you how I see you”.  For someone with a low self-image, having GOD point out your flaws is a very scary prospect.  But, pointing out my flaws was not what He had in mind. 

We all know someone, who when we first met them, we were put off by their appearance.  Yet, it didn’t take long to realize that they were “good people” and we forgot about how they looked.

The Bible says God looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).  He starts on the inside and works His way out; literally.  That was what He wanted to show me.  Me, from the inside, colors how people see me on the outside. 

Work on the inside me.  I can do that.