Skip to main content

Distorted self image

Does anyone besides me suffer from distorted feelings of self image from time to time?  Physically, that is.  I am not even close to being thin.  I am not beautiful by a long shot.  Most often in my case these feelings crop up when I think about my relationships with others.  Especially when I try to make excuses to myself of why I think people might or might not like me.  I struggle with these feelings, they are not new to me. 

Last night I started reading Stand-in Groom (Brides of Bonneterre, Book 1) by Kaye Dacus (Christian romance).  During the first few chapters the main character, a woman in her mid thirties, makes excuses to herself as to why she does not have a date.  She feels that men will not like her for who she is because her physical appearance is not good enough.  She perceives herself as too large and too tall, not the perfect size.  However, the "hero" of the story thinks she is beautiful!  Isn't it interesting that the way we see ourselves is so often not the way we are seen by others?

I am reminded of Samuel in the Bible who was told by God to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king of Israel.  Samuel wanted to anoint the firstborn son and when God said "no" he went down the line until there were no sons left -- but the youngest -- who was out herding sheep.  I Sam. 16:7 says "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for (the LORD seeth) not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." 

I need to listen to what God told Samuel.  Just think.  Someone loved me enough just as I am, sin and all,that He died for me.  John 3:16!  Guess I should revise my view of my value, change my self image and look at myself (and others!) through His eyes and not mine.

Comments

  1. Amen sis we should rethink about it..Jesus gave it all just for us He never asked us to change ourselves He simple said come as you are... We all have felt and wonder what people might think about who we are...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful reminder of Samuel and David. :) Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog! :) God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Teresa,

    You are not the only one that has those feelings. Sometimes I am so worried about what people think of me I allow it to stop me from doing something I should. I also have allowed it to actually paralyze me and that's not good!

    I am working on just being concerned about what Jesus thinks. What he thinks is what counts! He does Love us and tells us that we don't need to change, to come to him just as we are and he will change what needs to be changed in HIS Timing!

    Try and not be concerned what others think. I know it's not easy, but it will drive you crazy! You can't please everyone so just focus on what the Lord is telling you!

    In Christ's love & Prayers
    Sis in Christ
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think we all have those feelings from time to time and when they creep up on us we must not doubt!
    I am a new visitor, friend and follower from Over 40.

    http://doreenmcgettigan.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you all for your comments! Your gentle reminders to remember to trust in God and put Him first are wonderful.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Artesian Wells, Creeks and Downtown Prattville, Alabama

When you put these two photos together, what do you think you get?  You got it, a rope swing waiting for some daring young (or old) soul to swing out over the creek and create a big splash! This is Autauga Creek, which cuts through the heart of downtown Prattville.  In fact this very section of the creek, along with it's rope swing, is about a minute from downtown, and is located beside one of Prattville's many artesian wells, which is actually what I had gone to see.   I had heard about the wells, where people take their water bottles (I'm talking the BIG kind) and fill them up on a regular basis.  But I had never actually been there.  And to think it is absolutely FREE?!?  I had to see for myself... Sure enough, when I pulled into the lot at the Doster Road Artesian Well House I was not alone.  A car was ahead of me and the man was filling his large, blue water bottle, the kind you normally see dispensing water at your office.  While I was waiting I tr

The Wilderness Park, Prattville, Alabama: Taking a Break in the Park

Yesterday morning I decided to grab my camera, ditch the outdoor chores, and head to the Wilderness Park here in Prattville, Alabama.  I'm so glad I did!  Although I wore flip flops, which was a poor choice for a roughly 1/2 mile hike, it was not that bad because I was constantly pausing to take pictures.  It was nice to get away from the routine for a while.  As I was pulling into the parking lot, an older gentleman and his dog were getting in their car to leave.  As I wandered the path, I came upon a young couple relaxing on one of the many park benches, kicked back and chatting.  And as you'll see in one of the later pictures, young lovers have left their mark, too. As you follow the path, the patch slopes down, leading you deeper into the park.  Shortly you come to a "Y", and if you take a right, you will go over the dam.  Above is a photo of the path going over the dam, with bamboo draping across, forming a canopy.  Looking off to the right side of t

$25.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway -- Change can be a good thing!

Here's a departure from my usual post.  Have you thought about changing up your home decor?  Let's take the dining room, for instance.  What is your preference?  Is it modern dining room furniture ?  Do you like the country style?  How about minimalist?  Or are you like me and is it traditional? Actually, I would say I am a throw back to the lines of the 1950s and 1960s.  I love the burnished nickel or brass, the clean lines, etc., you find on furniture common to that era.  My dining room, however, has a touch of everything.  I inherited my grandparents' dining table and chairs, which is absolutely beautiful.  I also inherited their corner china cabinet which was made by my dad for my grandparents' 25th wedding anniversary .  I also have a framed mirror in shades of silver. Everything looks good and goes well with my hardwood floors.  Maybe I should just update the curtains or the linens.  I think I'll head over to CSN Stores (which has over 200 online stores and