What’s Your Excuse?

Trending now, there’s controversy over a mom, Maria Kang who posted this particular image on Facebook.

Kang’s photo has gotten feedback as being harmful; she’s even been called a bully in her approach. It’s a squirmy issue, especially for those of us with food, weight and body image issues. And Kang, in fact, had her own struggles: "I won't go into details that I struggled with my genetics, had an eating disorder, work full time owning two business', have no nanny, am not naturally skinny and do not work as a personal trainer. I won't even mention how I didn't give into cravings for ice cream, french fries or chocolate while pregnant or use my growing belly as an excuse to be inactive." Still, the “What’s Your Excuse?” slogan can be triggering and judgmental. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...” Proverbs 23:7 For those of us who have over- exercised in our eating disorders, it can be that unhealthy negative prod. Yes, exercise needs to be a part of our lives; Scripture even tells us this is so… “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 But there is a boundary that can be crossed, all too quickly and subtlety. When I see the “What’s Your Excuse?” slogan, it stirs uneasy mixed feelings. One person’s motivation can be one person’s trigger. Scripture cautions us about insensitivity to that reality. “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9 “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Romans 14:13 It’s complicated. But I think the bottom line message needs to be about celebrating our inherent value, here, now, as is, with no tweaking or changing, in the name of improvement. God sees us as incredible beings, as we are, even in our current state, “flaws” and all! “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14 So, maybe the slogan, the question, should read, “What’s your worth?” Answer: “Divinely, uniquely incredible and wonderful!” That kind of question and answer makes me MUCH more motivated. Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse