The Best Self-Image Repair Ever!

What happened to her? I hardly recognize her anymore. Her sweet, pure, childlike beauty has changed into a done-up mannequin.

These were my thoughts as I watched one of my favorite TV shows, which is famous for recognizing contestants for their talent and not for their looks.Revolutionary, right? But once the hosts select a contestant, a flurry of make-up artists, hairstylists, and the fashion police come running to make changes. Why? Because in the eyes of the world, image matters.

While growing up in New York City, I was constantly hit with this idea of image and appearance. Women of all ages carry high-end handbags, toddlers wear Air Jordans, and professionals have designer suits, shirts, and shoes.

To this day, when I visit my mother in the city, I feel as though I must look my sharpest to gain the approving nods of people on the subway and in the markets.

But what happens when you don’t gain the approval of others—when you feel rejected because you think you’re not pretty enough, or skinny enough, or athletic enough?

Perhaps you walk through life feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Maybe a friend or family member puts constant pressure on you to fit into a certain mold. As you walk around in your own town, do you wonder if you’ll ever look “put-together” like those around you? Your neighbors have those perfectly shaped bodies, flawless facial features, and trendy outfits, and you can’t help but feel alone in a world of “less than.”

Throughout my life, I have tried to tune out those negative voices and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. God loves me and thinks the world of me. As the Bible says, “I am the apple of His eye” (Zech. 2:8), which means He can’t stop thinking about me with love.

If you’re like me and have struggled with your self-image, turn to these four verses to see what God says and thinks about you and your appearance.

1.
I Am Created in His Image.
So God created human beings, making them to be like himself.
– Genesis 1:27 (GNTD)

2.
I Am Not a Mistake.
You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb. When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother’s womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there—you saw me before I was born.
– Psalm 139:13,15-16a (GNTD)

3.
I Have a Purpose.
God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.
– Ephesians 2:10 (GNTD)

4.
I Am Loved and Accepted.
I have loved you, so I continue you to show you my constant love.
– Jeremiah 31:3 (GNTD)