Today We’d Call Her “Fat”

I recently caught a documentary on sex symbol Bettie Page. In it, the withdrawn, elderly phenomenon recounted her entire life, including her impact to the sexual revolution, via her photographs and films which catered to bondage, nudity and fetish cultures.

According to Ms. Page’s commentary, she first tried the conventional methods. However, the well- known Ford modeling agency rejected her. Eileen Ford, herself, flat out told Bette she was too short and “too hippy.”

Therefore, Bette turned to the more controversial avenue and is known as a pop culture icon of immense proportion.

And, due to the power of pop culture, there are numerous photos circulating on the internet, stating things like “Today, we’d call her fat.”

And looking at her image, what is our response?

Do we think she’s fat?

Likewise, there’s Marilyn Monroe.

She was reportedly a size 12 or 14. Some even speculate she was a size 16!

Again, when we see her, when we are faced with 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 a neutral word, is it? It carries with it extreme, harsh and harmful judgment. There’s no 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. It applies to each of us as well.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...”

Proverbs 23:7

So, what are we thinking, believing, receiving and applying in life? 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 Bettie or 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!

Copyright © 2014 by Sheryle Cruse