Exposing Body Shame with Scripture
Inspired by "mom guilt" bingo, I thought I could make a board exposing the ridiculous standards for the ideal female body image. Fill a row? The whole board? Congratulations! You're a human being.
Secretly comparing ourselves to these standards never makes us feel better. So let's turn the tables and pull the standards into the spotlight for once instead of putting ourselves on trial.
Check off a box, then embrace what society labels as flaws, because it's your body, and you only get one. God gave it to you to cherish and nourish. Nobody else gets to judge you. That's your Creators' role, and he has found you worthy of life in your body and life everlasting through His Son.
Do you know how God wants us to think about these banned body features, these seemingly “unacceptable" marks of a female?
Boast in them.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
That’s right, let's boast in our so-called weaknesses, because God’s grace is sufficient. For whatever I count as a weakness in myself, a space opens up for Christ to be my strength.
A Well-Lived Life = A Well-Worn Body
Go ahead and point out my under eye bags. I look tired? Well, I am. If my body shows the proof of a woman who doesn't shy away from getting her hands dirty and giving to people even if that means sacrificing sleep, then bring it on. The more I give my weaknesses over to the Lord, the more grace will abound.
Let us boast in our perceived weaknesses, because being perfectly imperfect is to admit our humanity.
To acknowledge flaws while being completely secure in the love of God is to proclaim that life is more than the body.
So I will measure the joy in my years on earth through my split ends, scars, and stretch marks, because they are all signs of life. Praise the Lord and hallelujah, we have age spots and quirky features. It means God created us fearfully and wonderfully, individually to be united in our diversity, subjecting us to the wear and tear of time in anticipation for the renewal of all things in Christ.
Just As You Are
Let us focus not on fixing these flaws, but loving them just as they are. Maybe we can learn to see ourselves as Jesus does; to be loved right where we are:
No Thigh gap? No problem.
Crows feet? Evidence of smiling.
Split ends? Genius--you're saving money on a haircut.
Cankles? More stable ankles=less falls.
Flat chest? Can buy cheaper bras.
Short eyelashes? They won’t get in the way of sunglasses.
Bags under eyes? Stayed up too late living life. YOLO.
Acne? The mark of a youth.
Bikini lines? Another excuse to wear vintage bathing suit boy shorts.
Gray hair? A sure sign of wisdom.
Wrinkles? Raisins get wrinkles too--they're sweeter than grapes.
Saggy skin? More like “skin wings.” Channel your inner butterfly.
No six pack? You have a six-pack. It just has more protective padding.
Stretch marks? Well-earned stripes.
Unwanted hair? A fun adventure in “where is a hair going to pop up today?!"
Pale skin? Your ability to absorb vitamin D in low-light environments like Seattle puts you at an advantage.
Muffin top? Who doesn't like muffins?
Thin lips? Thin lips limit the heat that escapes when breathing, keeping you warmer in winter wonderlands.
Belly rolls? Ah, doesn’t it feel good to sit down?
Frizzy hair? Your fashion-forward way to bring back the 80s.
Short legs? Lower center of gravity for better balance.
Outie Belly Button? No chance of any lint getting trapped in there.
Too curvy? Easier to hold kids.
Sweats profusely? Your body’s built-in AC unit is working efficiently.
Blackheads? Who even notices those? Pore strips, maybe. Save your money for a massage.
Rest in Love
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Go in Grace
Is there anything on the list you have been ashamed of? Bring it to the Lord in prayer. Let Him exchange your weakness for His strength. Find a way to give thanks for it! And know that you're not alone.
