It’s
difficult to live in this culture and not hit negative body image. It’s particularly
potent for those of us struggling with disordered eating and image issues.
Check out the
statistics:
·
Numerous correlational and experimental
studies have linked exposure to the thin ideal in mass media to body
dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and disordered eating among
women.
·
The effect of media on
women’s body dissatisfaction, thin ideal internalization, and disordered eating
appears to be stronger among young adults than children and adolescents. This
may suggest that long-term exposure during childhood and adolescence lays the
foundation for the negative effects of media during early adulthood.
·
Pressure from mass media to
be muscular also appears to be related to body dissatisfaction among men.
This effect may be smaller than among women but it is still significant.
·
Young men seem to be more
negatively affected by the media images than adolescent boys are.
(Media, Body Image, and Eating Disorders:
We cannot
underestimate the influence of media. George Orwell warned us of that sentiment
years earlier:
“The people believe
what the media tells them they believe.”
Biblical
translation?
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh
well to his going.”
Proverbs 14:15
Indeed,
beauty and image standards have changed throughout time. This includes 17th
century artist, Sir Peter Paul Rubens, portraying the voluptuous female figure,
the roaring twenties flat-chested flapper, the curvy body type of 1950’s sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe, 1980’s overconsumption
and its power “Supermodel” and 1990’s emaciated “Heroin Chic,” complete with
its waif muse, model Kate Moss.
And, of course, now, it’s about
the derriere. Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Iggy Azalea all exemplify this
aesthetic. Now we have women actually
getting plastic surgery to enhance their backsides.
All things are subject to
change.
But, if we’re to even think of
being emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically healthy, we’d all do well
to have an absolute about our worth which does not change.
And that absolute comes directly from God.
“…Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established;
believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”
2 Chronicles 20:20
And here are some of His thoughts about our value:
“O my dove…let me see
your form…for your form is lovely.”
Song of Solomon 2:14
“Thou art all fair, my
love; there is no spot in thee.”
Song of Solomon 4:7
“Thou art beautiful, O
my love...”
Song of Solomon 6:4
And if we could only agree with that estimation, even siding with Psalm 139:14 concerning personal
self-image, then, perhaps, we’d
experience a much healthier and
happier life.
“…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Belief: it’s
a powerful force. What we believe in life impacts
our lives. There’s no getting away from that.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...”
Proverbs 23:7
Therefore, it
would do each of us some good, to examine our beliefs and our reasons for
buying into them.
We don’t
have to believe everything we’re told and presented with, image or no image.
However,
believing God can get us more of what
we truly desire: to be spiritually alive and our most magnificent selves.
Copyright © 2016 by
Sheryle Cruse
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