Are you pregnant?
The question caught her off guard. Was her friend joking? She looked down. She knew her uniform was a little tight-it had been a year since she last had to wear it-but did she really look pregnant?
No, of course not, she told her friend.
The seemingly harmless question plagued her all day. Feelings of insecurity, shame, guilt, and ugliness flooded her. With no one to turn to, she had to bear this burden all alone.
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This is a true story. The girl that told me this could not tell it without crying. We barely know each other, yet it was tearing her apart so much she just had to get it out; it didn't matter who, she needed someone to listen.
This is a true story. The girl that told me this could not tell it without crying. We barely know each other, yet it was tearing her apart so much she just had to get it out; it didn't matter who, she needed someone to listen.
It is surprising just how many women struggle with insecurity and the "shame" of not being pretty.
Everyone is beautiful. We look at man's standards of beauty, but what about God's standards? Shouldn't we be looking at ourselves (and others!) through God's eyes?
Below are favorite posts on the subject
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Come Away With Me at SimplyHis.
A Love Letter to My Body at Joy in this Journey
As God Sees at Faith and Simplicity
beauty that cannot be captured in ESPN magazines at To Overflowing
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Sometimes we don't think about the damage simple comment can cause. True beauty does come from the inside. Thanks for sharing the resources.
ReplyDeleteThere are certainly some questions that can result in an uncomfortable situation. A reason why it is so important to think before speaking, the consequences can be severe.
ReplyDeleteMarissa @ forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this Meag. I saw you over at Life in Bloom, and thought I'd read! Didn't know you linked to me. I feel so blessed! You have a beautiful heart! Blessings:)
ReplyDeleteI have made that mistake once in my life and it was one time too many. I hope it didn't have the same impact on the recipient as it did this girl.
ReplyDeleteKeep shouting the message loud and clear, my friend!!!! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteI love your writing. Can't wait to read more!
You are so right! I will never forget this girls face as she was telling me the story.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. we just spout off at the mouth without thinking. definitely something to work on!
ReplyDeleteSo many women (myself included) are drowned in insecurities. It's only been in the past 2-3 years that I've learned to identify the lies and the Liar feeding them. WIthout the help of friends and their support, this struggle would be a lot harder than it already is....and it plagues me A LOT.
ReplyDeleteOh how words can wound and foolishly spoken comments can wreck a woman's day. It is so frustrating. Praise God you were there to listen. It was a God-incidence not a coincidence!
ReplyDelete