Tuesday, June 13, 2017

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood

It was not my best day. After a restful weekend away, I was shocked when my heart felt heavy and burdened. The weight of it all was almost too much to bear. Nothing about this feeling was new and I carried it all day, struggling to complete simple, every day tasks. The thoughts ran through my mind at a steady rhythm. They were like old friends - familiar and unchanging. I can practically see the worn path they walked as they paraded through my mind in a never ending attack.

You will never get your weight under control.
You're selfish.
You're lazy.
You are a financial burden on your family because you aren't working.
You can't even get the dishes washed or the laundry done. How are you worth anything?

Facebook made it worse. Comparison snuck in and quietly stole more and more peace. "Look at her! She got her boys out in this heat. Her boys are learning so much from their time together. You just turned on the TV and sat on the couch. Loser."

It wasn't until the next morning that I realized what was going on. Today was book launch day. The day that I planned to shout as loud as I could about the amazing book I'd read. The book all about body image and confidence. This wasn't just a bad day. This was a war. And my well rested heart had suddenly become the battle ground. Paul tells us clearly what's going on.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood...against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

When my heart realized what was happening my head dropped. My hands stopped. I prayed. This isn't what I want in this life. These old "friends" are no longer welcome in my life. I want so much more. I want to chase Jesus and what He has for me.

I grew up in church. I've heard everyone who ever counseled me as a teenager tell me that God thought I was beautiful - that I was enough. Somehow I felt that if I didn't believe that, if I didn't trust God to make me feel like a beautiful person, my faith was lacking. That I didn't believe God was who He said He was. But in Compared to Who, Heather Creekmore explains that this is not the best approach to our body image struggles. A struggle that is attacking the women in and out of the church. A struggle that is breaking our young girls. As a new girl mom, I want so much more for my daughter. So much more for me.



Because of this book, I have hope. The next day was different. The next day was infused with hope and confidence as I fight the battle for my heart. I can stand tall and face today knowing that my God has already won the war. Body image and self esteem and all of these issues are not the end of the story for me.


Today this book is officially available. To anyone who wants hope. And, as a bonus, if you order today (June 13) you'll be eligible for cool prizes! Order here. Then go here and let Heather know!