For what it's worth -some humor and encouragement!

[winnie0366]

I won’t lie and tell you that I have “been there” and have been miraculously transformed from the inside out in regard to how I view my beauty. It’s still a struggle for me. Sometimes the struggle is minute to minute instead of day to day or week to week. There are times I look in the Mirror and cry. There are times I look in the Mirror and quite frankly, hate what I see. There are times when I look in the Mirror and feel the anger boiling. There are times when I feel resentment and jealousy. There are times when… Well, there are just times.

But, there are good times as well. There are times I look in the Mirror and think I’m just so darn cute! That’s when I wonder why my husband hasn’t commented on my cuteness. I don’t like baiting my husband for compliments and I don’t think a grown woman should be reminding a grown man of his “husbandly duties.” But, fortunately, I’m still in the maturing process and I simply ignore the “grownup” protocol. I ask,

“Pookie, don’t you just love the curls in my hair? Can I possibly look cuter?”

Or:

“I have the best shaped ears. Don’t you think?”

Since he’s one of the smartest men I know, I believe him when he agrees.

(Although the Mirror and I go way back and I have met most of Mirror’s family, we aren’t always so peachy keen. Currently I’m working on an 800 page peace treaty with Mirror. Negotiations are ongoing).

There are the times I run (more like waddle) crying (more like dribbling) to my husband and beseech him to tell me why he married me. And God bless him! It can’t be easy pacifying a wife with facial hair remover crème on her face.

Sure, I heard all the clichés, the “self-esteem boosters” and even the scriptures:

“Love your body…”
“Your body is the temple…”
“God knew you in the womb…”
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made…”
“God doesn’t make mistakes…”

Yeh, that’s nice, but…

Then one evening I received an incredible understanding from God. He said, “I did design every part of your body and you are beautiful.”

Even with God speaking clearly to yours truly, the negative thoughts came running through my mind like a football team after the quarterback. God, being God, immediately gave me these validations, in this order:

1) My body brings pleasure to my husband
2) One day my children will hug me and feel great comfort from touching my softness
3) This body is special because it houses my spirit –the spirit my family knows all too well and my friends love. I could not be ME without my body

Instantly I felt beautiful.

The Lord also impressed upon me that my body was healing. My healing would not be instant, but I was to remain faithful. When it is time for me to conceive a child, I will able to do so. He is healing my body, and my soul, so I may testify about His power, and His love. It was a joyful moment I shared with my awesome God!

When my husband arrived home from work, I shook the flab under my arms and proclaimed, “See, I am beautiful!”

Bless his heart, he was rendered speechless!

The lesson I learned was:

My body is beautiful simply because God made it.

I may have flabby thighs, but fortunately my tummy covers them when I sit!

[Maddy]

I don't share your religious views but just wanted to say "What a beautiful post" ~ it put a smile on my face today

[earcmra]

Great post!

[malcat22]

was that meant to be as amusing as it was? what a delight you are!!

[winnie0366]

Thank you Ladies for your kind remarks... I just shared a little blurb from a collection of my musings.

[lisadukk]

i absolutely loved that post....i also got a kick out of your smiley face....thanks

[kirvygerl]

What an amazing post. Thank you for sharing.

Many Blessings~

[tntsgirl]

Thanks for posting it really made me think about the way I look at my self.

Thanks

[amym]

Kris - that post was wonderful!!! That totally put things into perspective. I am going to print it and set it in my journal to remind me when I feel like a water filled what that I really am beautiful.

[Swingin' Cyster]

I loved your thoughts! Keep sharing please!
Kara