Anyone else walk by the mirror and think, “ohhh I wish I change this?!” I have a long list of my attributes that I wish I could trade out, such as my nose, my ears, my eyes, my hair, my gut, my skin, my legs...just to name a few. No one wants to admit it but for many of us, its a painful truth.
Growing up, I was shy but friendly. As a pre-teen girl, the insecurity was compounded when severe cystic acne began, keeping me out of school for days at a time depending on the flare up or treatment days, (oh, and don't forget...with braces). I hated seeing myself in the mirror, and never let people take my picture.
I spent hours in front of the mirror every morning before school, tears in my eyes and anger in my heart, trying to mask my full self, so I could feel normal enough to go in public. I was terrified to cry or sweat in fear the make up or hair would shift out of position.
While I didn’t want to be starred at, on a deeper heart level, I believed if my appearance was less than, they would see me as less than. And who doesn’t wish they were popular in middle school, even though you knew you didn’t really wanna be, but dreamed you could be!?
This is where the Great Cover Up began…dressing up the outward to compensate and distract from the mess underneath. Home was the only place I felt safe and relaxed. No wonder I am such a home-body!
I am thankful for the words of Samuel: 1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
It’s been a long journey of healing to no longer be consumed by the need to hide my mess or prove my value. In fact, it fuels my encouragement ministry.
Here are some ways you can comfort and encourage your friend who you see struggling with this too…
- Speak to her heart: “I see you,” “Your heart is so strong/beautiful,” “God Loves You!”
- Scoot close and sit next to her and let her feel seen and still safe
- Look her in the eyes when she’s talking
One of my favorite things now is the ability to hug without fear. No fear of being closely seen or touched, and no fear of make up accidentally wiped off! What freedom and joy!
God has fearfully and wonderfully made us and is looking at the beauty of our hearts. The King of the Universe, the Creator of all things, knitted us together with intricate and Divine details and we are precious in His sight.
Who needs your safe hug today?
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
