When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do see the unwanted gray peppered throughout in your hair? Or the saddlebags on your hips? Do you see stretch marks or a belly a little chubbier than you prefer?

How many of you think, if I would only lose 10, 20 or even 30 pounds then I would feel better about myself? Or if I were a blonde or a redhead, he would fall in love with me?

Come on, let me see those hands. I see one. Oh, there’s another and another. Thank you, for your honesty!

Like everyone, those negative thoughts have overshadowed my mind many times. In fact, sometimes I think they want permanent residency.

Since turning 40, the weight keeps piling on. It’s hard looking in the mirror at this strange reflection staring back. In my mind, I’m still 20-years old, a size 4 with perky boobs and lean legs. But the image confronting me now is much older, saggy and not as lean- and a little pudgier in some not so flattering places.

Psalm’s says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it well.” Psalm 139:14 ESV

We were created by the Divine Creator Himself as He breathed our souls into our lifeless bodies. Our minds tell us we are only the bodies we see, and we believe the illusions it creates when we compare ourselves to others. But our souls know God’s true creation and praise Him because we “are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

In God’s creation ugliness, darkness or evil doesn’t exist. Our souls are a true reflection of His Divine face. It’s our soul that make us beautiful, not our wrapping.

I believe one day when Jesus returns, God will join our soul and body together. There’ll be no more cellulite, saggy breast, protruding tummies, wrinkles, pimples, cancer, kidney disease or anything else ugly. Our body will reflect God just the way our soul does now.

But until then, God wants us to remember we’re his children, and He loves us just the way we are because He made us. We’re on earth to learn the lessons we need for eternity.

So He gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit and His Voice. He replaces our mindless self-talk with His thoughts and words. All we have to do is ask, and He gives it to us.

If we look into the soul of others, instead of the inadequate packaging around them, then the image of their soul reflects back on us like a mirror, and we see our beauty too. When we give, we always receive. It’s about changing our perspective and acknowledging God’s grace in our life.

It’s not always easy but the more I listen to His voice, instead of my mind, the more secure, loved and cherished I feel.

Thank you, Lord, for your love and faithfulness. Help me to remember I’m Your perfect creation and I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. My soul knows it well and praises You!