Written by Char Groen

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a beautiful woman? Do you like what you see? It’s probably safe to assume that as women, we can readily list what we dislike or hate about our bodies. I lived in that category!!

In April of 2014, we had a Women’s Event at Living Hope Church. Towards the end of the evening, Pastor Marisa talked about how we as women view ourselves versus how God views us. She challenged each of us to stand in front of a mirror and ask for forgiveness to God for every body part that we have hated or still do. Then, we were to ask God to give us His perspective of ourselves and ask Him for a picture of how He sees and loves us.

Wow, I knew I’d be in front of that mirror for a length of time since as far back as I could remember I’ve hated most things about my body but I determined that I would take the challenge. My body image affected everything about me; I walked with my shoulders slouched forward and I definitely would never wear any body fitting clothes all in trying to cover my body shame.

I took the brave step towards the mirror. There was no escaping the image in the mirror when a flood of thoughts, words, and curses that I’ve spoken over myself rushed through my mind. I started to speak out every negative thought, word, and curse as tears streamed down my face. I was overwhelmed with the reality that there was no part that I had not cursed or hated. I then asked God to start showing me what He thought of me and how much He loved me.

Within the following two weeks, at least three people commented on how I looked different or they inquired whether I had changed something about my appearance. My response was, “No, I hadn’t made any changes”. Then it hit me, had the hatred of my body even affected how I appeared to other people?

Prov. 21:18 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” ESV

I had been speaking a lot of death over myself for many years that it must have shown on my outward appearance.

I had to make a choice that I would believe the truth of what God says about me and then to declare that truth whenever the lies try to return.

Romans 12:2 “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” NIV

I encourage you to take the challenge!! Take the brave step in front of the mirror. The God, who created you, loves you!!! You will never be the same…transformed by the power of His love and the truth of the Bible!! It’s still a choice you have to make!!! Choose life!!

xox,

Char