God Inspired Her

In a world that often demands perfection, it harshly judges our every move. It is crucial that we learn to extend the same compassion to ourselves. This is the same compassion that we readily offer to others.

People use many apps to cover every blemish, wrinkle, and back roll. As a result, everyone on social media looks absolutely perfect. We then go to the mirror, look at ourselves, and call to make an appointment to get Botox. You see another person who seems to have become an overnight success. They made one post that went viral, and now they are a millionaire. Their posts are now of them relaxing on the beach! Now you want to quit your side business.

And what about you? The mom who is trying to have the perfect family, home, and career. Having anxiety on how to balance every hat you wear! If the casserole isn’t baked to perfection, you will just chunk it in the trash. The 200 cupcakes you promised for the bake sale at church don’t taste like your grandmother’s. You will just let Minister Hannah take over baking. She is just better at everything any way. You give up!

We can be so hard on ourselves. The pressure we put on our own selves, others will fold and call it quits.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Embrace Your Imperfections

Let us first acknowledge that we are all imperfect beings. None of us are without flaws or weaknesses. However, it is in our imperfections that God’s grace shines the brightest. God didn’t make us perfect.  Romans 3:23 (NIV) reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Instead of dwelling on our shortcomings, let us embrace them as opportunities for God’s grace to work in our lives. Once you embrace who you are, your flaws, your mistakes….you will start to see this as an occasion to grow. You will evolve, correct some things, or just love yourself for who you are.

Release Self-Criticism

We are our harshest critic. When I used to weigh 270lbs I said the most cruelest things to myself. Now, if a stranger would’ve said those same things, I would have been ready. My earrings, shoes, and lashes would have been taken off ready for a boxing round! So, why was I saying those things to myself? When I would go on diets and fail, I would tell myself the most hurtful things. I said these things as I looked at my body in the mirror. We hold ourselves to impossible standards and berate ourselves when we fall short.

 Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) urges us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Let us extend that same kindness and forgiveness to ourselves, releasing the burden of self-criticism and embracing the freedom found in God’s grace.

Trust In God’s Strength

When we feel weak and inadequate, let us remember that God’s grace is sufficient for us. When we find ourselves not being able to be gentle to ourselves, God sees our greatness. He sees our efforts to live in His word. And he grants us His favor, despite what we are telling ourselves. With His strength we can do anything. We can’t rely on our own durability at times.By trusting in God’s power working through our weaknesses, we can find the courage to give ourselves grace and persevere through life’s challenges.

Here are some ways to embrace your imperfections:

• Practice self-compassion: Accept your imperfections with kindness and learn to love yourself unconditionally. 
• Stop comparing yourself to others: Instead, take pride in you doing your upmost best.
• Find the positive side: Look for the positive aspects of your flaws. 
• Embrace vulnerability: Be honest with yourself about your insecurities and fears. Pray that God gives you the sight to see how beautiful you are.
• Learn from mistakes: Mistakes are part of learning, and you can learn from them. Let mistakes be only a learning a curve and not a stop sign.
• Cultivate gratitude: Reflect on life’s gifts and appreciate what you have. 
• Surround yourself with positive people: Surround yourself with people who can help, uplift, and motivate you. 
• Challenge negative self-talk: Practice speaking affirmations to yourself daily. Find scriptures to inspire you. Recite these passages daily.
• Engage in activities that bring you joy: Find activities that bring you fulfillment and a sense of purpose. 

Let’s carry with us the message of giving ourselves grace. Let us remember the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), “My grace is sufficient for you.” May we learn to embrace our imperfections, release self-criticism, and trust in God’s strength.

Janice