In our world today, we believe what we’re told. We’re not skinny enough, not fair enough, not tall or muscular enough.
I’ve fallen into the trap before. I skipped many meals in my teenage years in a bid to look better.
I did get skinnier, but all I got were lustful looks from the opposite gender.
I saw this quote from St. Catherine of Siena and it was a good reminder that we should strive to love ourselves the way God would love us:
What is it you want to change?
Your hair, your face, your body? Why?
For God is in love with all those things
and He might weep when they are gone.
I do not deny that we are our bodies, for that would deny the gift that God to us.
I also am not saying that we swing to the other extreme and say that we are ONLY our bodies — for that would deny the unique soul that God has given us.
Humans are a hylomorphic (body AND soul) composition and we need to acknowledge both.
When eternity is our reference point, everything that happens here is actually very little.
May we keep that in mind and remember that the Lord loves us exactly for who we are (provided we try our best to be the best versions of ourselves!) (but even when we fail to take care of ourselves, He still loves us.)
Prayers for all those struggling with body image issues, I love you.
God loves you.
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Originally posted at Catholic Rambles.
Image: PD-US
