Just Thinking 19
Some time ago, I watched a TV programme where several people were reported to have gone under the blade for cosmetic improvement to their looks. In most cases, these were unnecessary and a waste of money. Their motives were simply to be like someone else or a flight of fancy!
Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV) says,
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Our bodies are a mystery because we are wonderfully knitted together, woven and made by a supernatural Creator! God made varieties of people, some of whom are tall or short, large or slim. Some have short or long-haired, straight or curly hair, fair or dark-skinned, and brown or blue eyes. And with hundreds of other differences. You will never find anyone that looks like you because it was a deliberately designed creation. Each of us is unique!
So, why the insecurities about our bodies? It is partly because of negative comments, wrong stereotypes, and comparisons with others.
How do we define a beautiful and perfect body?
Is it as defined by a fellow man with his bias and shallow frame of thinking? Are we looking for a curvy body, hourglass-shaped, big bum, large breasts, voluptuous looks, pencil-shaped, long hair, 6-pack, muscular, pot-belly, tall, pygmy, fair-skinned appearance or whatever?
Let us get out of the stereotypes and obsessions with our bodies and the mould cast by fellow men to define what is acceptable and beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is more than just the physical, personality also counts.
Let us learn to appreciate ourselves and acknowledge the God who made us so unique and when He finished with us, He threw away the mould! We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God!
