I run a self-esteem course for women called ‘Shine’ and one
of the things we explore is the whole dynamic of comparisons. Comparing is a
way of life in the West, even before we are born our Mums compare belly size
& symptoms! Then stuff like… our first words, SATS, coordination, body
shape, intelligence, social position, Spiritual maturity, wealth, skin, youth, humour
and many more. They're all there in the back ground feeding the lie that we've got
to measure up. What’s more the
comparisons we make are processed below our level of consciousness so we really
can be manipulated and not even notice. I feel so passionate about folks embracing who
they are I wrote about it in my book (see
drop 12 Cinderella Time)*. The bible tells us in Romans 13:9,says we need
to love ourselves but what if you don’t like the deal you find ourselves with…?
What if our nose is too big or personality wrong in some way?
I have struggled and still do from time to time with
negative thinking. I get so frustrated when I find I’ve done it AGAIN! On more than one occasion I have
lamented, ‘the problem is I can’t escape myself. Have you ever wanted to scream HELP I’m
trapped in me! When we dislike who we are this is how it feels but this is
actually a lie. I would suggest self – loathing rooted is a false perspective
and we all know who the father of lies is. Think about the recent comparisons
you have made. Magazine’s airbrush yet we buy the lie and compare with what is
false. Popular funny people have their lonely desperate days too, great
academic minds may long to think creatively and creative thinkers might just
delight in holding a brilliant train of thought. A woman with a huge family might love to have
had a career where another would have longed for motherhood. We never really
know what we’re making comparisons with and when find ourselves doing this it’s
good to be reminded only God has true perspective. He alone knows the outcome
of each situation in our lives and what He want us to become over the course of
time. It’s inspiring to see people who have had terrible sadness or suffering
in their lives get to a place of rejoicing because through their awfulness they
grew, they touched lives with the glory of God and made a way for others to
swim in their slip stream.
Folks we all have areas we dislike, but when we accept our
own particular ‘deal’ and work with God in embracing who He has made us to be,
we can trust Him for the outcome. I saw a t-shirt once which had the words
‘work in progress ‘on it. I love this because the truth is when we acknowledge
our imperfections and stop comparing we release others to embrace themselves
warts and all too. Let’s beware of the insidious nature of comparison and stop
striving to ‘be’ something or someone we’re not; rest in the knowledge that who
you are, is exactly who you’re meant to be...
Hugs Ruth x
*The first five people to contact me via www.lovedropsfromheaven.com will
receive a free book!
No comments:
Post a Comment