At the start of the trip my team had the “amazing” idea to do a self love week *EYE ROLL*
We covered ALL the mirrors in the house and were encouraged to not focus on our outward appearance. Now, this is something Iv’e always struggled with so I was not having it with this whole idea. I saw no point. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Having all the mirrors covered in the house, I found myself spending only 15 minutes in the bathroom each morning instead of 30. I was able to get more sleep and be out the door sooner. I was so worried about not being able to wear my full face of makeup and not looking presentable and being judged accordingly. Thats what I’m use to. In todays world, outer beauty is over examined. And if you don’t look like how people think you should, you get made fun of. I was always bullied in high school for the way I looked or dressed and that fear of being judged followed me into adulthood.
Im not saying that I’m never going to wear makeup or get dolled up, because sometimes its nice to get dressed up and go out for some fun. But after the last week, Ive been able to look in the mirror with my bare face and naturally odd hair and think to myself, “wow, I look pretty good” and actually mean it.
The last Sunday I was at home, my church was handing out these cool cards about identifying yourself in Christ. I found myself looking at this a lot during self love week.
1 John 3:1 “I am a child of God.”
Genesis 1:27 “I am an image bearer of God.”
Psalms 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Philippians 4:14 “I am able to do all things through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “I am a new creation in Christ.”
This week, yes it was rough and at times very emotional for me, but it was so eye opening!
People can say some really mean things. They bring you down to build themselves up. I have defiantly fallen victim to this (and hard), but those are evil and untrue words the evil one is speaking through someone else. I am good. I am changed. I am beautiful.
I highly encourage anyone having self images issues to try out their own self love week where they focus on their hearts and not their bodies. I encourage them to look at these passages and memorize them. I encourage them to always remember that when we start to doubt ourselves or talk down on ourselves, that is the evil one speaking lies into your ear and that God sees you as his beautiful child.
Self love week has now come to an end, but the lessons and the new love I have for myself never will.
