Reflections

 1 Samuel 16:7

The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

As I was looking at this image this past weekend I was reminded of something that has been on my heart lately. It's the way in which I choose to portray my perception of my physical appearance to my children. As humans, we all inevitably struggle with negative feelings about our appearance at some point in our lives. It is with a naive heart I, as a teenager, believed that as you age, these negative thoughts and feelings subsided as you learned to love yourself, physical body and all. Unfortunately I have learned this is not the case.

So I come to a place in motherhood where I have to make a decision that is not easy. It is a conscious choice to look at my own reflection in the mirror and believe the truths I know. The truths that tell me that I am beautiful.  I am loved and needed and wanted. I am perfect exactly how I come. 

And then here comes the hardest part. As a mother I turn around from that reflection, and I speak those truths into my own children's lives. I make sure that they know that they are perfect just as they are as well.

Because how can they believe that they were created in His perfect image if I don't believe that about myself?

 So, the next time you see your reflection in a mirror or a photo of yourself, remember these truths. Speak these truths out loud and let them fill up your heart. Let these truths overflow from your heart to your children. This is my desire.