The Reinvention Chameleon

When I was a child, I remember learning about chameleons. I was fascinated with how these creatures could pick up the colors of whatever surface they were connected to. It was beautiful to see their melting of one color to another.

 

Years later, this chameleon concept takes on a deeper meaning for me. It’s not quite as simple, beautiful and natural as it once was. Disordered eating and image issues have changed my perspective.

Within this culture, we have a daily reminder of image’s power and presence. Beauty is a minefield to navigate as we are screamed at from every corner how we need to be more of this and less of that.

We have the principle of “reinvention” dangled in front of us, promising if we just adhere to this archetype, then we’ll be “new and improved.” This was a core belief at the center of my assorted disorders.

“Just change. Just change because who am is not enough.”

This updated chameleon principle of reinvention is, quite frankly, dangerous. It can be Russian Roulette for some people, especially those who are sensitive and self-conscious.

Complicating matters further, there is also some credence to a predisposition to addiction and disorder is certain people. In some, there can, in fact, exist “the eating disorder brain,” possibly lying dormant until a circumstance may trigger it awake.

The reinvention chameleon, with its “happily ever after” promises assures us of desired results if one just conforms accordingly.

 “And be not conformed to this world...”

Romans 12:2

This can often persuade someone, possibly, to just lose another five, ten or twenty pounds. Then, all will be well.

Then there will be no more pain or problems.

 “Don’t bother to look beyond the surface,” it advises. “Just concentrate on the outer image.”

“Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.”

Judges 10:14

Yet, look what happens when we focus on that image, looking for it to solve our lives...

“What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols...  And there is no breath at all inside it.”

Habakkuk 2:18-19

The reinvention chameleon cannot produce pain-free lives and content perfection. Indeed, if we follow Romans 12:2 all the way to its end, we see our transformation only comes via the Most High God; nothing and no one else can do this.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

And yes, there is some hopeful truth to us, even in the reality of our flawed selves...

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

Indeed, meaningful significance and necessary, empowering change do not arise when we lean on our manmade chameleon idols. It is leaning only on the Most High...

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Therefore, it would do us all tremendous good to do this leaning. And watch to see the most astounding changes, rivaling the most beautiful colors!

Copyright © 2016 by Sheryle Cruse