No More Perfect Moms – A Book Study – Chapter 4

 

We Moms are not perfect, our kids are not perfect, but do we truly believe that it’s alright to not be perfect? Is there still that little voice in the back of our heads reminding us we don’t quite measure up to whoever, whatever, we’ve used as our false perfection standard? How about if we give up on perfect and work at being authentic?

No More Perfect Moms – Chapter 4 – No More Perfect Bodies

How can we be authentic moms when we so easily get caught up in the comparison trap? It’s an ugly and dangerous place, but that is just where we put ourselves when it comes to our body image. Today we are discussing chapter 4 in our study of No More Perfect Moms and it’s all about our body image. We look at our stretched-beyond-belief bodies and compare them to photo-shopped, tummy-tucked models and starlets. We use magazine ads and television commercials to set the standard for what we should look like.

What if we were to see ourselves (and one another) the way God sees us? He knows us, He formed us, we were made in His Image, we are fearfully and wonderfully made and His works are marvelous! (Psalm 139). Don’t get bogged down in comparing your imperfections to others’ [seemingly] perfection. Rather, invest your energy in taking care of the body God lovingly knitted together just for you. Just how do we accomplish that?

First, take a look at what we can do physically to help our bodies be the best they can be. Exercise it – put down that book, turn off the TV, or get away from other computer screen for 30 minutes a day. Rest it – so many wonderful things happen when we sleep. Our bodies and minds and emotions recharge. Every imperfect mom needs her sleep! Hydrate it – often times headache or fatigue can be attributed to dehydration. If you are feeling thirsty, you are already behind in your water intake. Feed it – with the best food choices you are able. Think about what you feed your body, would God be pleased with what you are putting into it? Food is nutrition, fuel, and necessary. Junk food won’t fill, satisfy or sustain you the same way wholesome, healthy foods do.

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These things are important, but even more important is the heart. “For the Lord sees not as man sees, man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) A seemingly trim, fit outward body does not appear so beautiful if the heart of the woman is not beautiful. It takes more than just eating the right foods, drinking enough water and getting proper exercise. Jill Savage shares in chapter 4 how we need to see to the health of our souls as well as our physical bodies. Are we looking for perfection in our outward bodies? Maybe what we need to be focusing on is the health of our inward souls. Is it possible that a healthy spiritual life will do more for our physical health? Our outward behaviors might very well be easier to control if our hearts are where they need to be.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

 

Are you suffering from the Infection Perfection as it applies to your body? Apply The Antidote. “Move from insecurity to confidence” — know what scripture says about how valuable you are.

Read, memorize. Take time to view yourself through the eyes of the One Who created you. When you step out of the shower, take a moment and stand in front of the mirror and thank God for every part of you. What? You don’t like your big feet? There are some who have no feet at all.  Maybe your nose is crooked? Think about those who bear the scars of abuse full on the face. Are these the things your Creator sees when He looks down on you? He sees beyond, deep down within. He sees the heart of you. Practice looking deeper, beyond the image in the mirror and seeing the image beneath.

“Shift from judgement to grace” — You are your own worst critic. We hear this all the time. And it’s true. We look at ourselves in the mirror and see the flaws and the imperfections. We miss the beauty, the loveliness in the creation of who God made you to be. Are you measuring yourself to the standard of beauty others hold up? Do you hear that small voice in the back of your head saying you are unattractive and unappealing? It is a lie, from the voice of THE deceiver.

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When I look in the mirror, I sometimes wonder how anything so blah can ever be considered beautiful. That’s the voice of the deceiver talking. In Isaiah 61:2-4 God says that He will “. . . bestow on them {His people} a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” When we place ourselves in His hands, he’ll transform the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, from the inside out.

Beauty “. . . should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4)

For most of us this is a tough lesson. Tending to the heart, drawing near to the Creator, seeking relationship with the Savior will bring beauty into your life and allow your beauty to be seen by others. Don’t try to make it happen on your own. Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) In Christ, all things are possible. Including a beauty makeover. Embrace your beautiful, imperfect body!

This book study on No More Perfect Moms is all about being real, being authentic. It is also about encouraging one another to live our best and give our best and reminding one another that we aren’t alone and that the perfect mom is a myth.

And now, here are my slightly imperfect, but beautiful buddies, sharing their thoughts on having imperfect bodies. I hope you enjoy this little chat-fest with Mandy, Misty and Bridget!

 

Tell me, what helps YOU keep a healthy perspective when it comes to body image?

Would you like to catch up on earlier chapters? I have them all listed out for you – just click on the image below!

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