2017 offered me a life-giving opportunity to write, and with that came the unique privilege to listen. From an audience of strong, vulnerable, truth-seeking, transparent women, I have heard stories; some are hope-filled, some are heavy with desperate longing, and some stories are just now coming up for air after years of being silenced. Each story is as unique as the individual sharing, but one thread seams together the experiences that each woman shares.
Each woman wants to know: How do I teach my daughter, my niece, my god-daughter, not to believe lies about her body?
Ultimately, we want the next generation of women to believe TRUTH about who they are!
- FREE : And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32).
- LOVELY: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Phillipians 4:8).
- REDEEMED : He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name (Psalm 111:9).
- BEAUTIFUL: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
———-
In response to the blog, I’ve been asked to do something so exciting and, just a tad bit scary. Starting in February, I’m co-leading a body image recovery group at our church with registered dietician, Kristen Williams. Women will gather to discuss the ramifications of disordered eating and negative body image and how to seek healing, all in a small group setting. We’re working through The Body Image Workbook, by Thomas Cash. He is a renowned psychologist and expert in the field, having worked in the psychology of physical appearance for over thirty-five years.
In an attempt to work ahead of the group, I’ll be sharing some of the research, lessons learned, and Biblical truth (that I believe is the real foundation for ALL TRUTH) here. I’m prepared to learn a whole lot about how we, as humans, embodied, see ourselves, and how much power that has in our everyday decision making.
I’ll start the series on Thursday, Jan 11, release posts on Thursday afternoons, and send out a monthly newsletter to encapsulate the most important nuggets. I invite you to join the email newsletter and walk alongside the women seeking community here.
I’m thinking the research and writing will provide material for online discussion, from January through April, maybe May. And then, we’ll all need a break for swimsuit season and summer tank tops.
The posts should be thought-provoking, and I’d love your feedback as we navigate the material. No doubt, I will have questions along the way…
So, here’s to the surprises and lessons that 2018 is sure to host. Amidst the uncertainties, my hope remains the same. We will gather together the resources, supported by God’s Word to his people, to help the next generation of young women seek body image truth.
Please join us by subscribing at the bottom of the homepage.
Leave a Reply