Bodies & Beauty: Made With Purpose.

Editor’s Note: Today’s intro is short & sweet. “Made With Purpose” was written by Victoriah Lienemann, and I need to read this every single day. – Lauren

Recently, I spent a blistering hot day at the pool with some of my best girlfriends. Most of the students who stay in the city for the summer spend their lazy days here, lounging by the water. I often find myself frustrated though, attempting to relax while my head is spinning with negative thoughts being shot out from all around me.

“She has such a flat stomach, I can’t believe I am even wearing a bathing suit right now.”

“Look at her long, blonde hair…she is so pretty. Guys love girls like her.”

“I wish I looked like her.”

We have all been there at one point; it seems sometimes we can never find satisfaction with ourselves. Every one of us has looked in the mirror and has seen something they dislike, or even hate. I know grown women who outwardly discuss the things they see in their reflection and want to change.

Even if it’s not spoken aloud, I can guarantee every woman at that pool was feeling the same way, including the girl with those super flat meant-for-TV abs.

Good women, I am crying out to you. What are we doing to ourselves? Why are we disgracing the very temple the good Lord gave to us?

Who decides that the girl who’s a size 6 or a size 16 is the more beautiful? Society has decided lately that everything and everyone must be skinny-sized. We have skinny jeans, which it seems only very skinny people can sport. Skinny girl diet books. Skinny this, skinny that. SkinnyGirl Margaritas and Skinny Cow ice cream, because we can’t even indulge after a long day without worrying about the calories.

Now, don’t get me wrong—skinny isn’t bad. Healthy isn’t bad! Some are blessed with an ample metabolism and they are naturally thin framed. Some work hard for their awesome figure, and for that, I applaud you. Being the size you are now, though, is perfectly acceptable. This is what society is missing; what we as good women often forget.

Any size, any shape, any color—you can be any of these, and the only puzzle piece you need to finish the completed picture is love. Confidence. Belief that you are good. You are infinitely better than good. You are made by God. Made specifically, from the color of your eyes right down to the single atoms you’re composed of.

He didn’t make the way you are for you to dislike yourself. He made you for a purpose.

Accept this. Embrace this. What one person finds ugly or out of place, another finds beautiful. If you start to see your so-called imperfections as something God included in His delicate mold, you’ll begin to see they are part of a beautiful being. You were made to change this world by spreading love and being loved in return.

I have learned through a long and strenuous battle that you are only as attractive to others as you are confident in yourself. I encourage you, honorable and courageous women, look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself you’re stunning.

You have a beautiful face, a beautiful soul. You are charming, classy, admirable, and well-formed by a Creator who knew exactly what He was doing. You have been given another day and one more chance to show someone you care. Get to loving yourself and others will follow. It will turn into one vicious, magnificent circle of love.

Keep climbing this mountain, open your arms to the struggles you may have with your self esteem. You WILL reach the top..

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