Image

"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

So often we use the words "self-esteem" or "self-image" when describing how we think of ourselves. I know I use them. Struggling with my self image has been a recurring issue for me and therefore my self esteem has suffered because of it. Thanks to God, friends, and a wonderful counselor in my life, this has gotten much better.

The Bible says that we were created in the image of God. Does that just blow your mind or what??? Is your image anything like that of God's? You probably said "no". That's because most of us suffer from low self-image.

God is perfect, this is true, but He doesn't expect us to be perfect. The Bible has countless accounts of the lives of people who God loved no matter what and they were far from perfect.

Christ died for you and me because we can never measure up and we can never be perfect. But like author Kimberly Davidson puts it, "He died so that we don't have to be perfect."

I have more to write, but I've got to go pick up my kids from school. I shall return!

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I'm so frustrated right now because I added to this post and when I tried to post it, my internet connection went down and I lost it all! Do I have the time and energy to write again? I have a Bible study to get to within the hour! Guess I'm not perfect, good thing I don't have to be!

So, where was I. Oh yea, we can't be perect and we don't have to be perfect or even try. Our minds are so powerful. The thoughts that come into our heads have incredible power and can contribute greatly to our self image.

I have been very intentional on my thoughts lately. Especially the thoughts I think of myself. For the longest time, I have been my own #1 critic and accuser. However, I've learned that what I think about and especially dwell on is totally my choice. Now, when a negative thought about me enters my mind, I ask God if it's really true. I find that nine out of ten times, it's not. I'm so used to playing those negative self tapes over and over in my head that they just naturally pop in there. Instead of staying there, I determine that it's a lie (in most cases) and think of something good. I might meditate on a certain Scripture or even think about things I like about myself. There are many great things about me (and you!) that I can think about! This is still very hard for me, but I get better and better at it every day. I have had so much fun in the past month and I truly believe it's because my mind has occupied new information and thoughts. And it's been my choice to do that!

How can your self-image be low when you were created in the image of God? That's a question I've been asking myself. Being beautiful has nothing to do with physical appearance and everything to do with our hearts. My heart is full of love and I was created by God and therefore I am beautiful...and so are you!

Who is your image consultant?

Blessings, (and praying this will post this time!)

Melissa