“So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts of Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pride-fully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t’.”  Romans 12:4-5, The Message

In the past I have dreaded shopping for a new bathing suit…can I please get some sisterly love on this one? I have literally walked into a dressing room with 20+ swimsuits in hand and left the room empty handed and feeling as if none of them looked nice, but this may have been because I was under a faulty delusion that somehow my size-12 body would magically turn into a size-8 body whenever I went shopping – of which I thought I could experience a “Tadah” moment. However this “Tadah” never happened and I was quickly snapped back into reality that simply putting on a new article of clothing does not cause immediate weight loss! LOL!

However, somewhere along the journey of life, I have come to the place of simply longing to be the best me. I don’t know if this revelation has come with age or by consciously choosing to love myself, but I no longer walk in trepidation at the thought of shopping nor do I compare myself to others because I just want to be the best me.

I no longer give my energy or thoughts over to what the world would say about me, (my accomplishments or lack of, my weight, my values, etc) because as our scripture states above, God excellently and marvelously formed me. This truth has become a line in the sand for me. I no longer expend precious time comparing myself to others – I just need to be the best me…whether size 12 or 8…I am fashioned and formed by God,  I am created to be a blessing to the body of Christ.

So let’s all make the choice to go ahead and be who God made us to be and lets choose to let others be who God made them to be. Bottom line:  I am free to be me and you are free to be you!

You see, God fashioned and formed you and you are vital to the body of Christ. There is no other “you” on the face of the earth.  The gifts and talents God put into your life are greatly needed by those around you. It is my prayer that today you will make the choice to no longer compare yourself to others and that you will simply be the best you!

Prayer:

“Lord, I choose from this day forward to love myself.  You tell me in Your Word to love my neighbor as I love myself.  Help me to embrace the fact that you fashioned and formed me and that You have good plans for me.  I will no longer give my time and energy to what others may say or think of me but I will honor You with my thoughts.  Help me to be who You created me to be – the best me!  Amen.”