Overcoming a Negative Body Image

I used to wish I had Halle Berry's body. There, I said it. Christians are not immune to having a negative body image. I was on a message board years ago and one of the women mentioned that she had watched the Ms. Universe competition the previous night. She was feeling depressed because she had compared herself to the beautiful women in the competition. She found herself lacking. I understood completely. As I said, my comparison standard was Halle Berry. Many of us compare ourselves to a Hollywood actor, model, or beauty queen and then beat ourselves up because we don't look like that. But one day, the truth about Halle Berry hit me. Although God has blessed her with some good genes, she has taken what she has and has done the best she can with it. She takes care of herself. I can take care of myself too. Now, I will never have Halle Berry's body. But, today I can declare:

• I receive God’s goodness into my life (Psalm 27:13).
• I am created in the image of God and I praise Him (Genesis 1:27).
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
• My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because God’s spirit lives in me, I have infinite wisdom available to me (1 Corinthians 6:19).
• God's Spirit leads me to love and care for myself (James 1:5, 3 John 1:2).
• If I am to live fully according to God’s purpose, my mind, body, and spirit must be healthy. I declare they are so (1 Corinthians 9:27).
• God can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I can ask or think according to the power that works in me. I invite Him to demonstrate His strength and power in my life today (Ephesians 3:20-21).

When I focused on what I have and what I can do instead of wasting energy comparing myself to others, I lost weight and became fit. So, I am fine with not having Halle Berry's body. I think God can do amazing things through the one I have. How about you? My challenge for you today is to look at yourself fully and write down all the things about yourself for which you are grateful to God. Don't just look at your physical appearance; celebrate what your body does for you every day - and thank God for it. Whenever you find negative thoughts about your body try to intrude, then get in a posture of gratitude for what you have. It is the most powerful position you can assume! Kimberly Taylor www.takebackyourtemple.com