Do You Love Your Body?

It made me very uncomfortable to post this photo of my imperfect body. Why don’t I simply appreciate and love my body for what it does for me? What I do know is I’m not the only one who feels that way.

This summer I will be hosting a backyard Bible study.  For grown-ups this time– not grandkids. I’ve invited a group of women, ages 40 through 70, to gather in my backyard with the goal of learning to honor, accept, and even love (yes, love!) our bodies. Impactful Grandparenting requires we lead by example and I have work to do in this area. How about you?

Body & Soul by Lisa Whittle

The study is based on a book by Lisa Whittle called “Body & Soul, A Biblical Look at the Whole Person God Created You to Be.” Note: it does not say who the world thinks I should be. There’s a big difference.

We will be adding a body movement session at the end of our study/discussion time each week. That’s my own little touch because I really want each woman to integrate the mind, body and soul during this time. We will be led by a fitness instructor who is as experienced in Scripture as she is in physical exercise. We will listen to praise music, hear scripture and be prayed over as we move, each woman at her own ability. Or, as my friend likes to say, “at the pace of grace.”

I’ve battled body image all my life. Many women do. I see my love handles as visible signs of weakness. No willpower. (I’m willing to bet God isn’t that concerned about my love handles.)

An attractive woman walks by with a fit body . . . I feel envy. It’s an honest confession. And I’m tired of it.

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” Proverbs 14:30 ESV

Lisa says every part of us, every curve, scar, and wrinkle, has been created to reflect God’s handiwork. We also may have invisible struggles, like a chronic disease or years of infertility or past abuse.

Your Body, Your Teammate

In the study, Lisa asks “What would it look like to be a teammate of your body versus an opponent?” That’s a radical change in thinking for me. It’s like advice I’ve seen in marriage books: Remember you are on the same team.

We have allowed culture to define how a woman should look. What if we allow God to define us? After all, we are made in His image. But what exactly does that mean?

I can’t wait to dive in. Get vulnerable with other women. Share our war stories of battling for perfection. I’m anticipating lifting the weight of years of never feeling enough. No more relying on willpower, but rather His Power.

At the same time, I recognize it will be a journey over time as I renew my mind and get rid of old beliefs. I am in the fourth quarter of life and I want to finish the race well. And that includes honoring my body and using it for God’s glory.

Impacting Girls & Boys

Does this seem like a strange topic for an Impactful Grandparenting blog? I don’t think so. If you think it’s hard for us, think about growing up in a world with social media. At every click our young girls – and boys – are faced with ads and photos aimed at selling solutions to make their bodies more attractive.

Have you heard of “looksmaxing”? It’s when teenage boys obsess about their muscles, height, jawlines, etc. Clearly this isn’t just a female issue. Culture is hard on all our young people.

Let’s be part of the solution. As Impactful Grandparents, we can leave a legacy of embracing our bodies. Let’s help them discover who God created them to be.

I do think there has been some progress. My daughters admonish me when I refer to my “big butt” or some other derogatory comment. Especially when these comments slip out while I’m with my grandkids.

“MOM! We don’t talk about our bodies that way,” they tell me.

But that doesn’t prevent them comparing themselves with their friends or influencers on social media. Impactful Grandparenting is about being a positive influence on young people, so they reach their full God-give potential.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”. Romans 12:1–2

Join us?

Maybe you want to gather some girlfriends and do the study, too. Please drop me a message or post a picture on Impactful Grandparent’s Facebook or Instagram if you do. You can buy the “Body & Soul” by Lisa Whittle at the book outlet of your choice.