Heavy, heavy, heavy. This is how I have felt many days of my adult life about the idea of losing weight. Which is quite ironic considering the goal of losing weight is to become lighter. Yet no matter how hard I tried I just felt heavy.
For those of you who know my story, this lifestyle of neglect and/or being obsessed over my body started when I was 15 years old. I am now 32 and I recently had an “enough” moment. Have you ever had an “enough” moment? If you have, you can remember where you were sitting and what you were wearing because you don’t leave them unchanged. It’s in these “enough” moments that God can finally step in and bring change. We’ve had enough of ourself and our old ways and are ready for lasting change. It’s in these moments that righteous anger arises and chains fall off.
After my “enough” moment I got honest with my husband. I shared with him how heavy this load of my ideal body image is to carry. I came clean on how it zaps all my energy and effects our sex life. Another irony since the whole point in looking good is supposed to be for our husband and no one else. I shared with him that the only way I can get rid of my love handles and see my abs is if I eat a really low carb and low calorie diet, which leaves me an angry momma bear. I told him I couldn’t do it anymore.
His response brought me freedom and I felt someone else needs to hear this today. You may not be married, or maybe your husband has never spoken these types of words over you, but that’s not the point. I felt God say “these words are from ME to my daughters”.
- I love you for you. No matter how big, small, old, makeup or not. I love you. Nothing can change that.
- Take all that energy you put towards dieting and put it towards acting sexy towards your husband. (This one is only for the married ladies!)
- Don’t compare yourself to other women. Or to your younger self…that’s another woman.
And finally, as we were wrapping things up I told him “It’s just hard because everywhere I turn somebody is doing something to lose weight“. To which he responded, “Then you need to turn somewhere else.”
Ladies, here me loud and clear, I am not against losing weight. In fact, some of us have swung over to the land of neglect and our bodies need us to begin taking care of them again. However, many of us are over in the land of obsession. We obsess over every ounce of food that touches our lips and, heaven forbid, when we fall off the wagon(and eat it too) we are tempted to abuse our bodies through starvation and overexercise in order to regain control. The truth is we do not have control since our body is not our own but was bought with the blood of Jesus Christ(1 Cor.6:19).
Take a moment to ask the Lord if you have believed a lie about your body. Ask him if you live in the land of obsession or neglect of your body. Repent and hold the Lord’s hand as He walks you into freedom. I’m walking with you too, one step and one day at a time.
Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1
Xoxo,
Rachael
P.S. I’m sharing this post over at Woman to Woman Ministries link-up today. Head over there by clicking the button below and connect with other amazing Christian bloggers!
My husband and I had a similar conversation a year ago. He comes from a world where so many women start modifying their bodies at my age. I was not up for it. When I said I just can’t do this. I can’t be that woman with the svelte body – he reminded me that he wasn’t asking for that. I was making the our home miserable by trying to be someone no one wanted. That was so freeing, All he wants and all I want is to be healthy.
Amen and amen! Thanks for sharing your heart, Rachael! We all need more “enough” moments, whatever our struggle may be. We as daughters of the King have had enough of living in defeat, and it’s time to live in the victorious, grace-filled, abundant life we have in Christ! Thanks for the great encouragement! (visiting from #momentsofhope)
Rachael,
Love this post! I’ve spent too many years worrying about it, too. About 2 years ago, I got sick and quickly gained 25 pounds of which I have not been able to lose again. Losing it is so much tougher in your late 40s and it will take so much energy from me to get it back. I’m trying to find peace in the meantime and accept myself for what I can do well without stressing about it! It’s tough, though!
I’m not sure if you remember, but we met at Declare! It was so great to see your smiling face at #MomentsofHope! Thank you for joining and sharing hope with others who struggle with body image!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori