all body types

It has come to my attention that there are several people around me struggling with body image these days.

See, this was one of those issues that I never really thought about because I never knew anyone personally who was anorexic or bulimic - those kinds of people were only present in fashion magazine "advice" articles or health class or on television. But you know, even if I still don't know anyone personally who has a serious disorder, I do know several people distressed about their external appearance in terms of their body.

It pains me to see or hear about these kinds of cases, just because I sincerely believe that God made us as perfect as we would ever be. Yeah, sure, I will go ahead and admit that in the past, I have been slightly prejudiced against "fat" people because many of them have been seriously rude or have had insecurity-manifested-as-superiority issues, and I know that internally, they have blamed all their problems in life and the unfair world as results of their weight. Now, for those kinds of bitter people, I can only suggest two things: repent and have God fill you with peace, or find a moderated work-out schedule and a new diet that doesn't involve starving yourself. (And for goodness sake, diet sodas don't do ANYTHING, especially if you drink 3 cans of diet soda for every 1 can you would've had of regular soda.)

But the people that I know that are struggling right now are wonderful, super-sweet and -friendly people. And for many reasons, I really wish they could see themselves the way I see them. And more importantly, the way God sees them. I know, it's so cliched to say, "It's what's inside that counts," because honestly, the world has issues really living up to that phrase. People do judge upon first impressions and discriminate. But you know, at the same time, there are definitely people in the "real world" who don't do that. Or if they happen to mistakenly do that, they know how to change their minds. 

(Disclaimer: Not bragging or being prideful in any way.) There have been people who have always said, "You know, you wouldn't know/you wouldn't understand because you've always been skinny. I wish I could be petite like you." Now let me tell you - I only seem that way because my upper body is on the slim side - and slowly, not even that anymore. (bah.) But seriously, my mom has always told me, "You know, you can try all you want to be fit and dress well, but if you can't walk around with a bright and approachable smile on your face, it'll kill everything." And it's true. If you can smile with true joy in your heart, I think that's actually more attractive than a model's stone-still gaze in an ad.

So seriously, I really hope that these people know that they are loved. I know sometimes the distinction between being loved and being liked can be such a huge difference, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Because we know deep down our parents love us and God loves us, but what about the perfect guy/girl? But if you've ever watched the movie "Shallow Hal," you'll find that there are people realizing their shallowness, and that there are people who reject shallowness. I hate being a romantic sap these days, but I know that regardless of what you look like, there is someone out there who will love you whether you're 95 lbs or 135 lbs (and however much that translates into for guys, haha). 

And the second thing is, you will never be able to love that person or even any person fully - with the amount of love that that person deserves - until you are able to love yourself. It's a known fact, proven statistically. I promise. Especially as a Christian, because God should be living inside of you, and if you reject yourself as a vessel for Christ, I dunno - that's pretty much rejecting God...and that's like, a sin. haha

So yeah. Love yourself. Because you know at least one other person does :)

Verse:

"Love never fails ... For we know in part and prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears." (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)