5 characteristics of how women are portrayed in today's culture
Yes, It is as if "woman" has been stripped of almost every good, pure quality. We are told completion is in beauty, sex, and money... as you probably were already aware. Many girls associate their value with weight and appearance; self-esteem with sex appeal; acceptance with becoming IT. Its a cultural lie. You suddenly start thinking that without the newest trend and those 200 dollar jeans you saw in the magazine... you are going to DIE! How you look... is how you are.
"I'm ugly. I hate how I look. I hate how I dress. I hate my stomach. I hate my nose. Why can't I be different? Why did God make me this way? What is he thinking?" Sound familiar?
Take another break... write down a list of:
5 things you don't like about yourself
(followed by a list of )
5 things you do like about yourself.
I bet you finished the first one a lot quicker than the second -yes?
The horrible things you think about yourself is far from true. You are correct if you think you will never meet the world's standards, b/c that is IMPOSSIBLE! They make sure you fail.
God wants you to win. He wants you to feel like you are enough. He wants you to succeed. He sees you for who you are and everything you can be.
He knows:
- your greatest struggles
- your disappointments
- your home life
- your fears
- what you're thinking right now (though its creepy... its true!)
- the choices you regret
- what you do in your private world
- what you hope for/dream of
-EVERYTHING!
And he wants to make sure you see that being you is a good thing... a great thing!
1. God sees you as beautiful (Psalm 139:13-16)
Look at yourself with God's eyes. There is a purpose behind every "flaw" and imperfection. If you read and believe what Pslam says, then you believe that God had amazing intentions when he made you.
(Suggest also reading Philippians 1:6)
2. You are God's mirror.
"God created people in his own image,
God patterned them after himself. (Genesis 1:27)
What do you think it means to be God's mirror in your world? (write it out!)
Okay... this may sound kinda creepy - but think about how differently you'd feel if you looked in the mirror and saw God staring back at you? Wow. Is that an instant love for yourself... you'd like yourself more then now - right? Talk about a basis for self- worth! God shared his own traits with you. This proves how much he thought of you when he created you. You may not like yourself, who you are, feel valuable... but God believes your value is immeasurable.
3. God sees you as good.
"God looked over everything he had made;
it was so good, so very good" (Genesis 1:31)
He is pleased will all he made... that includes you. You have the ability to do good, be good, and thus live a life that reflects him. Knowing you are good in God's eyes should give you a lot to smile about. Forget the media ... There is no greater honor and basis for self-worth than to have God say "You are good."
Take a break and write some of those good characteristics again... and besides those characteristics, write how you can use it to honor God.
What the spirit can do:
1. Sanctify you - you're holy and freed from sin (1 Corinthians 6:11)
2. Give you hope (Romans 15:13)
3. Give you special gifts, like wisdom and knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
4. Transform you into God's likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18)
5. Give you the promise of eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:8)
God is on your side, no matter what stage of life you are in. You are made for more than just getting by, settling in, or giving in. God knew you before your first breath of life, and ever since, he has had his hand on every aspect of your life. "Even the hairs of your head are numbered" (Matthew 10:30) Think about that the next time you go dye your hair black or cut it all off... Because God created you and he knows what's best for you.
Though this is true, I don't like being the dumb blonde :)
And remember... only he can complete you.
(Right about now, I would right a prayer asking God to do what he needs to do in my life to make me feel complete. I would also ask him to help me see myself as he sees me. - - > you might want to try that one too if you still got any paper left)
God will give you answers if you ask :)
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