“Jesus, what do you want to tell me?" I expected to hear words of correction, but instead I heard, “I’m pleased with you.”
“What?”
Curious, I pursued conversation and reflection with God. I found that He was speaking approval over my relationship with my body.
I was driving through serene country roads on a beautiful summer evening, alone, when God and I had this conversation. I was captivated by His creation, and He had my full attention. As I sat there deep in wonder, He reminded me that I can hear His voice and experience his loving presence so much easier than I used to, now that my mind isn’t distracted by micromanaging and wanting to change my body every day. I felt him delighting in me and my freedom.
“We’re so much closer now, Jess. Don’t you love it?” he asked.
“Yes. I do," I replied. "My body shame and old behaviors put up a barrier between us that was preventing me from being this close to you—from experiencing ALL the abundance you offer...Thank you for freeing me, Jesus. I love this way of life so much more.”
How is Freedom from Body Shame Possible?
Then, it hit me as if I was hearing it for the first time. Jesus—the one I was talking to like a beloved friend—died for me to be free from body shame.
He sacrificed himself so that his beloved daughters and sons could be free from all kinds of bondage—body shame being one of them.
He sacrificed himself so that I could be free from a constant soundtrack of obsessive, mean thoughts. He died to set me free from self-obsession and fear; from culture’s lies, the objectification of women, and from bondage to damaging standards on women’s appearance. He died to set me free from old thought patterns and to give me ones of hope, incredible worthiness, and worship.
And this I know: He died for your body freedom too.
If you struggle with daily and possibly burdensome or obsessive thoughts about your body, appearance, eating habits, or exercise, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way. Because the one who designed your body offers an alternative narrative.
Maybe it's Hard to Believe. But Here's What I Know.
Over the past few years of digging deep and fighting hard, I’ve become convinced that God cares about how we think of our bodies. Because our bodies are where we and others experience him, they are good.
He loves our bodies. He wants to talk to us about our bodies. He wants to speak blessing over our bodies. He want us to experience him and to bless us abundantly in our bodies.
I wholeheartedly believe that when we set our minds on Jesus first and attend to our souls, everything else health and body-image related falls into its proper place—with time.
I believe that near Jesus is where we find true worthiness and feelings of beauty. It’s where we find motivation to live healthfully. It’s where we find freedom to rest, to stop striving, and to give up the idea that our body is a project.
P.S. Your body isn’t a project. It’s a treasured place to experience God’s divine and loving presence and approval.
Does that mean we stop trying to be "healthy?" I don't think so. But in Christ, we are free to reject the "standards of this world" and rely on the Scripture and Holy Spirit to show us "what is good and pleasing to him and perfect—His plan and purpose for you" (Rom. 12:2, AMP).
Walk with me on this path towards freedom. Let’s be free. Our bodies are good, in Jesus’ name.
Are You Skeptical of What I’m Saying?
That’s okay. It makes sense. These ideas are counter-cultural. If you’re having a hard time believing what I’m saying or have never heard some of these ideas, I encourage you to talk to God about it. Ask him to show you what he’s shown me. Ask him the path. He has been steadfast over 7 years of my seeking him in this struggle.
A Good Place to Start
If you're curious, or if you want to pursue freedom from body shame, a great resource is Breaking Free from Body Shame. So many of the things I just said have been rattling around my brain for years, but Jess Connolly’s new book stirred them up, confirmed them, and gave me the language and courage the speak them more boldly. I know her words will bless and lead you.
Comments