“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27
If I would’ve ventured into Asia ten years ago I’m not sure I would’ve made it for 5 months. My self-esteem and confidence wouldn’t have been ready for the “Asian fit” lifestyle….I question whether or not it ever truly was ready for it.
But now that I think about it….the culture here is much of a “same same but different” version of America. The clothes are tiny, the people don’t show aggression, and there’s always a smile on their faces. The difference is that they are much more vocal in pointing out your size. Walking into Asia I was a confident, plus size woman of God ready to spread the love of Jesus.
– In the Philippines they would point and say “too big too big”….I would laugh it off and join in the joke.
– In Vietnam they would whisper about my size to each other, and I would act as though I didn’t hear it.
– In Cambodia they would literally stretch their hands out to my size and hold it up, or put their hands on my leg too show the size of it.
– In Thailand when getting ready to ride on an elephant they would say “big….big”…..in reference to myself (big) getting on the big elephant. Or they would put me in the front seat of the car, because it was easier to fit the smaller girls in the back.
…..all these things that I thought wouldn’t phase me or didn’t phase me….things I thought I had worked through and put in my past….until recently.
I was put on a new team. An all-girl team with 6 beautiful women. Internally and unknowingly I began to fall back into a world of comparison and self-deprecating. Wishing I was like one of my teammates. That I was thinner, with a prettier face, whiter teeth, and basically a different person.
“All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” Song of Solomon 4:7
So I began thinking. Why on earth would I do such a thing? Basically slapping God in the face for His creation! He created me in His image….so why would I start saying I don’t like what HE created? I’m a big, bold, and beautiful woman of God!
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
So I will no longer walk down the road of comparison. Down a road that leads to destruction. Instead, I will walk in the light of the Lord. Knowing that He created me in His image, and that I am beautiful, loved, and wanted in His eyes….and to the people around me. I will be proud of His creation….me. I will use what He created as a way to minister to those around me.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
I challenge you to do the same thing. No matter your size, shape, color, or gender. You are a beautiful Child of God. He has created each person on this earth for a specific purpose, and has made us different for a reason. So walk in the light knowing you are beautiful, loved, cherished and wanted by the Most High King.
“Spirit of the Living God come fall afresh on me
Come wake me from my sleep
Blow through the caverns of my soul
Pour in me to overflow,
to overflow” Jeremy Riddle (Bethel Music)
