I am so fat... phat!

Our gym has this marketing campaign "what's your stuff?" stating that it is ok to be normal, which is quite contrary to most gym adverts I've seen. And it got me thinking...

http://www.virginactive.co.za/

You were created to stand out! Not blend in. Yes, especially with all your flaws. The world advocates that only the bold and the beautiful with perfect skin and perky boobs are to stand out. And this, of course, gave rise to the billion dollar beauty, cosmetic, fashion and plastic surgery industries.

But we all fall short. And half of the world is depressed** because they just can’t make the cut- can’t quite live up to the airbrushed, digitally manipulated front page model of glossy magazines that’s so en vogue and cosmopolitan- a portrait of the modern woman.



My daughter and a friend. both so cute, yet so different.  Sad thing to see a woman wanting to be someone else when she has something very unique about her...



You are called to live a different life, contrary to the pressures placed by socialités. Part of your mandate is to flaunt your flaws. Yes, really. Through contentment in who you are- with your love handles, muffin tops or sixpacks hidden safely behind coolerbags- You reflect a Kingdom that’s not just skin deep.



The problem is that most Christians are so wrapped up in the world that they don’t realise how alike their comments are to comments made by the desperately seeking. This makes it tough for non-believers to really believe that we know the Secret to true happiness.



How are you doing in this department? When was the last time that you said to God, “Lord, use ALL of me, including my-far-from-perfect body shape, my face, my smile, my eyes, my ALL”. (Jup, even my toes.) “My friends who need You, Jesus, MUST see that there is a Kingdom where it’s not how you look that matters, but the true state of one's heart.”

God has given us all something to show His beauty- a smile, a twinkle of the eye, laughter, pleasant words, our own personal style, unique eyes, soft hands, cute curls…. Use it for His glory and don’t stand back. You are NOT created to blend in, but rather to make an impact.

So... what's your stuff?



*phat: sexy, hot, gorgeous


** According to a recent study based on interviews with 500 girls, more than half said they would be happier if they were more beautiful (www.independent.co.uk, Girls, interrupted: Revealed - the true cost of low self-esteem. Even the brightest and best young women can be held back by low confidence about their looks or their worth, says a new study. Jonathan Owen, Sunday 01 April 2012)

Why

In a modern society founded on human rights, the toughest “right” to surrender is the answer to the question “why?”.

“why am I going through this?”

“where is God in all of this?”
“when will I ever sleep through a night again?”

“why am I still sick?”

“why is my child still wetting his bed at 8 years of age?”

“why is my business failing?”

The demand for an answer is the last bastion of self exaltation, selfishness, and SELF SEFFICIENCY. (WE need an answer, so that WE can know what to do and how to explain…)

Instead, the Holy Spirit is continually whispering “surrender…”.

Contrary to what we want to believe, knowing the answer will not bring us peace. It will not help us to face the situation better.

“Surrender, my dear child. Yes, I do know the answers, nothing that is happening is taking me by surprise, but I also know that what you need is not more answers but peace, love, joy for therein lies the true power to conquer (overcome). It is only through unconditional dependency and complete trust in Me that you can attain this. For in your weakness, My power is made perfect. In trusting me, My peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind. And I will teach you to be content regardless of your situation. I am your strength (Php 4) ”

Draw closer to Jesus- he is the ONLY PRINCE OF PEACE!

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mat_11:28

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2Co_12:9 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Psa 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

Psa_56:3 When I am afraid (not knowing what is happening, or why), I put my trust in you. Italics added. This was written by one of the greatest Kings who ever lived.

Psa_62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Psa_118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man (that is, ourselves). Italics added

Psa_118:9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes (our society’s demand for self righteousness). Italics added.

Psa_143:8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Pro 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD,

Jer 17:5 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength (the self), whose heart turns away from the LORD. Jer 17:6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.

Jer 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. Jer 17:8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."