Barbie Bondage

I want to confess to you up front that my body image becomes an internal battle for me when I allow my self-worth to be measured by the idols of this world.

If we were to be brutally honest with ourselves, we would probably have to admit that most of our efforts to lose weight have been motivated by desire to glorify ourselves. If you think about it, most of us will do whatever it takes to attract a man or look good at a reunion or wedding. We will also lose weight to win people's approval and get their attention. But why can't we aproach our diets primarily as a way of honoring the One who created our bodies? The truth is, we are more effective in our witness to the world when we feel healthy and are in control of our diets.

I know there is no such thing as perfection on this earth, but as a young girl I saw in others all I wished I could be. I was in "Barbie Bondage". I saw how boys reacted when one of the pretty girls came into the room. I stood awkwardly in gym class as boys chose the pretty girls to be on their team, knowing that I would be one of the last chosen.

I turned 40 this past May. I like my reflection in the mirror now. I am one of those women who looks better at forty than she did at twenty, but everyday I see young women and middle aged women who struggle with their self-image. I see the unsure half smile, and I hear the silent cry behind their eyes longing to be accepted and loved but braced for rejection. I want to tell each of them: what changed my life wasn't losing some weight or having my skin clear up; it was having a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Today I no longer search for a crown appointed by man. I have been given the greatest crown of all, the crown of life appointed by God. A crown that gives me something the world can never give--peace. My life makes sence. God now uses my pain for a purpose: to bless and encourage others. I have a renewed passion for people and a God-given power to live out my passions and let go of the pains from my past. My past no longer torments me. Instead, I have learned a valuable lesson about life--that it is not about me. It is about God and others!

In Him,
Dalinda