beloved – Trading Paper Crowns

You look in the mirror every morning – and you don’t just stare blankly at your reflection. You say words, whether in your head or aloud to yourself. These words are either positive or negative, and they really set the tone on how you are going to feel the rest of the day.

A Glamour issue notes, “…on average, women have 13 negative body thoughts daily—nearly one for every waking hour. And a disturbing number of women confess to having 35, 50 or even 100 hateful thoughts about their own shapes each day.” What? This is awful.

The average woman is not a super model. I can’t say this more plainly – we (yes, I am including myself) need to change the negative, harsh thoughts we think about our body/being. You are beautiful – because you are YOU (and there is no one else like you in the world!) Obviously, there is need to be healthy – for medical reasons. But, you should not desire to be that toothpick model or hardcore ripped athlete. That is not realistic.

I am a Christian – this should be apparent from my blog. I happen to believe that God crafted us with a heavenly paintbrush and created us all in his image. Don’t you think God is beautiful? Then, you are as well, dear one!

Let’s practice celebrating our beauty every morning! My mother always used to tell me, ‘God does not make junk!’ That is so true!

Here are some uplifting things to say to yourself in the mirror each morning. Say them aloud or in your head. It will make a difference. This is a challenge to myself as well. Let’s get started.

I am BEAUTIFUL.

Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead. – Song of Solomon 4:1

I am the APPLE OF GOD’S EYE.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:8

I am RADIANT.

Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. – Psalm 34:5

I am a CROWN OF SPLENDOR in God’s Hand

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. – Isaiah 62:3

I am DEARLY LOVED.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12

I LACK NO GOOD THING.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. – Psalm 84:11

I Am So BLESSED.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11