The Size Issue

I recently saw this post about women’s sizes.

There’s been a lot of discussion about this issue, especially in the fashion industry and in the context of body image issues. We’re repeatedly bombarded with “real women” versus model size comparisons. Sizes are shouted at us constantly: “0,” “14,” “2,” “24…” It goes on and on and on. And, throughout all of the size discussion and debate, we’re left to navigate through our own personal acceptance and self-esteem issues. Fun times. We are obsessed with standards which are rigid, unrealistic, harmful and far from Godly. Who, after all, is the ultimate authority on our size, shape and worth? Is it God? Shouldn’t it be God? “But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.” Jeremiah 11:20 Left to fashion magazines, critics or Hollywood, we are only left disappointed, frustrated and wrongly estimated. After all… “…Look not on his countenance…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 And, let’s face it the image industries are not concerned with the state of our hearts. There’s no attention to “inner beauty,” whatsoever. And, if they consider any deeper issues at all, it’s how to market to, prey upon and make money off from them. How important it is, then, to protect our heart, issues and all. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 But, throughout all of these challenges, it’s still not hopeless; we have God. And look at some of His perspectives on these image issues: “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27 “O my dove…let me see your form…for your form is lovely.” Song of Solomon 2:14 God’s definition of our value, beauty and meaning are not based upon size or shape. There is no mandatory size commandment for us anywhere in scripture. There is, however, emphasis on the size of HIS love! “May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:18-19 What if we concentrated on that size issue instead? Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse