It's been said many times that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is not a single statement that I agree with more. There is never a reason for one to cut themselves short because they don't meet someone else's standards. I have already touched on this idea of "those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind", so this time, I'd like to talk more about living your life regardless of your "shortcomings."
Yesterday, a friend of mine at SLU and I were talking, and she said something along the lines of, "You have these insecurities that everyone has... but instead of letting them hold you back, you walk confidently knowing you're a man of God." That was quite possibly the best compliment I'd ever received in my life. I've often been one to accepts complements with a "thanks, but no I'm not _______", but the essence of these words made me realize that I wasn't being fair to myself. If I am going to beat myself up over the parts of me I don't like, then I owe myself to at least accept the parts of me that others like.
God has gifted me with these qualities that are hard for me to accept because those parts give me depth, make me interesting, give me passion! Be proud of the things that others don't have the courage to be proud of, and you will have the courage to overcome the things others cannot overcome.
I may not be as fit as a fiddle, I may not be the next Damian McGinty, and I most certainly may not be a Victoria Secret model... but one day, I may be a speaker, I might meet the girl of my dreams, I'll hopefully get the honor of raising a wonderful family, and I will definitely get to share the greatest moments of my life with my outstanding friends, family, and people I care about. What more reason do I need to walk tall? If, in my life, I can make my parents proud and help my friends accomplish their dreams... then I will have led an amazing life.
God's love for you does not come from how well you dress, how skinny you are, or how talented you are. His love stems from the love we give to others. Have you ever noticed that when we discuss God, we never comment on His looks or His talents? When God does something amazing (i.e. a miracle), he does that by blessing us with his pure and holy love. We are made in His image and He has taught us how to accomplish amazing feats - simply act out of love.
Do yourself a favor, and strive for joy, not perfection. Because, unlike perfection, you can share joy with others!
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