Get Real, Cinderella

This post is an excerpt from one of my devotional books
"Be Still...and let your Nail Polish Dry"

this devotional is written by: Debby Mayne

Get Real, Cinderella
Some days I get out of bed feeling frumpy and ugly. I suspect hormones play a role in that, but seriously, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get rid of those ten or twenty pounds that keep me from wearing my favorite jeans.

Where is my fairy godmother? Did someone hijack her on her way to rescue me from thunder thighs, a flabby belly, and saggy boobs? I've watched all the style shows that demonstrate how to hide "problem areas," but what happens if my problem area is from head to toe?

Why do men never worry about body image? My husband can stand in front of a mirror without a shirt and actually come away from it happy. There are days when I avoid mirrors or clean windows, no matter how far out of my way I have to go. For once, I'd like to be able to stand in front of a mirror, look at myself without being critical, and stop worrying about every single imperfection gawking back at me.

The female body is constantly being measured--either favorably or as an example of how not to be--throughout life. We're put on a pedestal, ogled, and discussed as though we're a commodity, which is all wrong. I know that, but I still often feel as if everyone belongs at the royal ball but me. Pick up any woman's magazine and you'll see what I am talking about.

As Christian women, our bodies no longer belong to us. Christ lives in us, so we should respect who we are without all the disturbing worldly messages tearing us down. Being of strong, moral character is much more attractive to believers in Christ than the sexual objects portrayed by Hollywood. No amount of plastic surgery, botox, or collogen can give us inner beauty like the kind that glows from the love of Christ. Deep down we know what is important, and honey, the Cinderella story is nothing compared to the true love of God shown to us through His son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, keep me focused on what is pleasing to you. Your love is much deeper than anything portrayed by the media and much more real than any physical attribute shown as "perfect." Remind me to keep it real and to never lose sight of the true beauty of Your love. Amen.
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Enjoy!