The Facebook Post that Saddened Me

A bit back, on Facebook, my friend posted something like this: “God loves me unconditionally. I am His. He is love. I will always be loved by Him. Even on my worst day, I am loved by Him.”

Then, I saw her picture below the post. I stopped. Her face looked nothing like her; it was altered.  Instead of seeing her normal shaped face, it was longer. Instead of her regular complexion, her face was lightened, substantially. Instead of seeing her eyes, filled with the reflection of Christ’s love, I saw large Barbie-doll-altered eyes that seemed to seek something. . .

Something in me sank.

Everyone was replying that she looked beautiful. But was it her they were affirming, or someone else?

I suppose my issue her is not her, it’s me. I’ve been where she is and done what she’s done. I’ve altered myself to seek approval. Changed my persona. Shown the world what they wanted. I’ve relied on man’s affirmations, not God’s unconditional love. Yet, the funny thing is — I never really accepted people’s comments. Why?

I knew what they were affirming was — fake, altered, forced.

Today, I’m coming to learn, more and more: God loves me for me. Even when my hair is frizzy, when my humidity makes it puff up like a balloon, when my eyes have a pile-up of mascara under them, when I sing off-key or when I fall on my face — God loves me still. . .

I never have to improve or prove myself to Jesus. God always loves and wants me still…

He likely looks at me and thinks, “I love that girl so much. She is so beautiful. Look at how I made her. She is mine. I want her.”

I wonder if He smiles?

In light of God’s acceptance — no upgrades, no make-up, no touch-ups, no filters, no enhancements, no lighting — are vitally needed.  This is powerful. Sure, we may add things, because there is also freedom and fun, but we no longer rely on it as if it is our worth. We return to the love of God; we dwell there.

He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. Eternally. He loves me.

“I praise (God) because (God made me) fearfully and wonderfully; (His) works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Prayer: God, I realize some people may hate themselves, their features, their inadequacies, their weakness. Father? I want to praise you for these very things. I love what makes my sisters different, unique and “themselves”.  Even more, I am fully aware that I have a larger-than-normal nose. Today, I join hands with my readers to say, I give thanks to you today for this very nose. It’s how you created me. I thank you that, if I am to look for the good, I suppose. . .  it gives some prominence to my face (I’m laughing). I also thank you that you look upon me and just love me, want me, and accept me. Always. May every sister here see the good in how you created her. May she feel your love, acceptance, and affection today. May she release what she can’t accept, let go of what is burdening her and give thanks for what you created, just right. Thank you that we can all rest in your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Get all Purposeful Faith blog posts by email – click here.