I recently came across this image of the late Marilyn Monroe, the famous sex symbol and pop culture icon.
It got me to thinking. What is our first thought, in today’s culture, when we view this image?
Do we think she’s beautiful?
Sexy?
Glamorous?
Or, do we think she’s fat?
Our first thought, indeed, tells on us; they reveal the truth of our souls and value systems.
When I was preparing a presentation on popular culture’s ever changing beauty standards, I discovered that the legendary Marilyn Monroe, back in the 1950’s, was a size 12 or 14. Some even speculate she was a size 16!
Again, when we hear those numbers, what’s our first reaction?
She’s beautiful?
She’s sexy?
She’s glamorous?
Or, do we think she’s fat?
And then, when we turn the mirrors on ourselves, what do we say about ourselves, to ourselves?
I’m beautiful?
I’m sexy?
I’m glamorous?
Or, do we think “I’m fat?”
The word “fat” isn’t an innocent, neutral word though, is it? It carries with it extreme judgment, harsh and harmful judgment. There’s no life, positive outlook or beauty to it, is there?
But that’s a wrong judgment to possess. After all, God clearly states…
“All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
John 1:3
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Psalm 139:14
That judgment includes the woman you believe is “too this” or “too that,” whatever those judgments are. And it applies to you as well.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...”
Proverbs 23:7
So, what are you thinking, believing, receiving and applying in your own life? Is it positive, life affirming and helpful or is it negative, destructive and harmful? You decide; I decide.
Each one of us needs to be mindful of the thoughts and the judgments we entertain.
It’s not about looking at this photo of Marilyn and thinking she’s fat. It speaks to what we believe, value, reject and hate.
Let’s think on God’s things!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
That’s the challenge; that’s the choice. And it IS achievable! Achieve it today!
Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse
Friday, April 5, 2013
Marilyn: What Is She?
I recently came across this image of the late Marilyn Monroe, the famous sex symbol and pop culture icon.
It got me to thinking. What is our first thought, in today’s culture, when we view this image?
Do we think she’s beautiful?
Sexy?
Glamorous?
Or, do we think she’s fat?
Our first thought, indeed, tells on us; they reveal the truth of our souls and value systems.
When I was preparing a presentation on popular culture’s ever changing beauty standards, I discovered that the legendary Marilyn Monroe, back in the 1950’s, was a size 12 or 14. Some even speculate she was a size 16!
Again, when we hear those numbers, what’s our first reaction?
She’s beautiful?
She’s sexy?
She’s glamorous?
Or, do we think she’s fat?
And then, when we turn the mirrors on ourselves, what do we say about ourselves, to ourselves?
I’m beautiful?
I’m sexy?
I’m glamorous?
Or, do we think “I’m fat?”
The word “fat” isn’t an innocent, neutral word though, is it? It carries with it extreme judgment, harsh and harmful judgment. There’s no life, positive outlook or beauty to it, is there?
But that’s a wrong judgment to possess. After all, God clearly states…
“All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
John 1:3
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Psalm 139:14
That judgment includes the woman you believe is “too this” or “too that,” whatever those judgments are. And it applies to you as well.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...”
Proverbs 23:7
So, what are you thinking, believing, receiving and applying in your own life? Is it positive, life affirming and helpful or is it negative, destructive and harmful? You decide; I decide.
Each one of us needs to be mindful of the thoughts and the judgments we entertain.
It’s not about looking at this photo of Marilyn and thinking she’s fat. It speaks to what we believe, value, reject and hate.
Let’s think on God’s things!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
That’s the challenge; that’s the choice. And it IS achievable! Achieve it today!
Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse
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