His Bride

by Carli
(South Africa)

My story is probably a common one. I have always been a big girl. In primary school (I guess elementary school) I was the tallest girl in the class. In grade 6 I was the tallest KID in the class. I was never overweight, but always bigger than the others. The lie was implanted.

In grade 7 we moved house and I started going to an all girls school. I didn't know anyone and they were all so popular and pretty. I was frumpy and I hated my legs, believing they were the ugliest and fattest. My friends didn't help. It's not their fault, I don't blame anyone, we all have our insecurities. One once made a comment about me being fat. Thus my self-hate journey began.

In grade 9 I started exercising and eating very little. I have never been able to give up food, so I decided to get rid of it instead. Thus bulimia was born. I lost weight, but was confronted before it could get out of hand. Guilt was heavy on me and I confessed to my mom. Amazingly, she told me that she had suffered the same problem as a young adult!

God has created us in such a fearful and wonderful way. He knitted us into our mother's wombs and created us perfect in every way. These lies we receive from Satan must be stopped!

My story doesn't end in grade 9. Since then I've really warped my own image of myself. But since then I've also started experiencing the wonderful love and acceptance I have in Jesus. In the times when I focus only on Him are the times I have received the most compliments!

It's so awesome! The more in-love I fall with Jesus, the less I see myself as ugly. I start seeing myself as His perfect bride. Blameless and spotless in His sight.

A woman in love is a remarkable thing. She radiates something indescribable. And when the object of her affection is the Light Himself!

The conclusion of my story? I wish that everyone could see themselves the way God sees us. If we could only believe in who we are in Him.

By the way, did you know the Bible commands us to love Him above all, and then to love ourselves as we love others?