It was all over my Facebook newsfeed last week. The mom…in the bikini…the one with the saggy skin and stretch marks. You saw her, right?
We all saw her. It’s how we responded that’s what causes my concern.
The headline on the Huffington Post story read this way, “Mom’s ‘Flabby’ Bikini Picture Inspires Other Women to Flaunt Their Bodies With Pride.” This happens every time another woman dares to wear a bikini with a less than airbrushed looking physique, we get excited and praise her, lauding her bravery and feeling like maybe we should feel better about our imperfect bodies too.
I get it.
They stage sit-ins of moms with imperfect bodies bearing their bellies or they do viral social media campaigns snapping pictures of cellulite and sag. We are coerced into thinking, Wow, this is the way. This will do it! We’ll beat this body image thing yet by loving our love handles and adoring our dimply bottoms.
It seems right.
But, I need to tell you a secret. It’s a BIG secret. All those folks encouraging you to take pride in your body–no matter what it looks like–they aren’t helping you or me.
I know, I know, it feels like they are. It seems like it’s a message you should “Amen!” and “I love my stretch marks and post-baby belly, too!”
But, that pride in your body, it’s misplaced.
Pride isn’t God’s answer. Ever.
Self love or self loathing, they are both pride, just opposite sides of the coin. The woman who takes pride in loving her body is just the same as the woman who loathes the skin she’s in. Both are overly focused on the outside.
Want to be free? Instead, of staring in the mirror until you make peace with your physique, turn that mirror up. No, I don’t want you to stare in it and hate what you see. But, I also don’t want you to stare in it and love what you see (Hello, Narcissism?)
The freedom comes with self forgetfulness. Let me say it one more time: The FREEDOM comes with self-forgetfulness. Not self love.
Freedom from bondage can never come from increasing pride. Love Jesus. Not cellulite.
Your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 8:14
Want to spread the “Love Jesus. Not Cellulite.” message? Share one of these two images with friends on social media! Hashtag #LoveJesusNotCellulite or #FixMyEyesOffMyThighs
Thank you so much for sharing your heart, wisdom and love. I’ve been on a freedom quest to be free from not being enough. I’m nearing 40 and have fought this battle too long. I’ve tried the think positive route, the not think at all, and the endless search for a beauty miracle. I read this post on Jesus and Cellulite a few months ago about turning the mirrow to Jesus and have tried to follow this whenever fear crept in and it works it actually works. I actually have had moments of joy and been able to love my sweet husband better. Thank you for breaking this never ending battle for me, I’m finally looking up and it has made all the difference.
Sarah! That’s so awesome to hear!! When I first wrote my book I wanted to actually title it “Love Jesus, Not Cellulite” (the powers that be didn’t think it would sell.) haha. 😉 I’m so encouraged by your testimony! Praying you can find a way out and experience freedom in all areas of your life and marriage as you never have before. Yes, the mirror tilt does work, doesn’t it!!! Hugs! Thanks for chiming in!
I love your post! I am going to share on my facebook page and on my week-end blog hop next week. Thank you!
Aimee, thanks so much! I’d love that! Best to you this weekend. Glad you were encouraged!