Through this post, I'd like to give you the choice of which branch of love you hope to focus your energy on this week: love of self or love of your neighbor. (I reserved love of God for another post!)
Let's dive right in.
Picture our God in his glory. The Creator of our complex, beautiful universe--one who produced matter in the presence of nothingness and moved that matter in the presence of complete stillness. He set his plans--his matter, his universes, his Earth, his people--into motion. The Perfect One who serves us humbly every day, though he is our King and Savior. God, Love Himself, designed and constructed the intricate, elegant architecture of our bodies and placed his fire of love within our hearts.
I've been asked how I found my confidence, and my answer is simple--Love. Love granted me with the person I am, the quirks, the anatomy, the personality, the vocations... all of it. Yes, that includes ears that sit perpendicular to my face, a flat chest, and an inflexible body. But if I didn't have these quirks, I wouldn't be the person God designed and planned for me to be. With every aspect of ourselves that we dislike, we face three real choices.
1. We can change it. For example, during my freshman year, I finally stretched into my splits for the first time, although it took months of work to gain flexibility.
2. Accept it. No, I don't like the ears, but the ears are staying. They aren't changing, and I know that. I have accepted the ears for what they are and moved forward.
3. Learn to love it. I can shop for bikinis, v-necks, and button-down shirts without a problem thanks to my chest. You go, chest. I love button-downs way too much to kick them out of my closet.
Notice that complaining and worrying aren't among the options; this is because these are not real options in moving forward. Complaining and worrying won't solve our problems, and we know it too well. They only prolong our self-doubt.
Until we realize that the only thing that restrains us from feeling beautiful/ handsome and worthy is our own decision to undervalue the gifts that the fullest Love has poured into our lives, we won't allow ourselves to love ourselves with the pure, unrestrained love that God loves us with.
So love yourself as God loves you. You are his "friend," (John 15:15). You are his precious "temple" of grace (1 Corinthians 6:9). You are the "righteousness of God," (2 Corinthians 5:2). You are "chosen" (Ephesians 1:7). The holiness in your heart is a "pearl" (Matthew 7:6). You are "alive" through Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). You are a "light" (Ephesians 5:8). You are "beautiful" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). You are His.
If the soul is a light of God within us, and God is love, a spark of the purest and strongest love burns within us every single day. Recognize it. Value it. Celebrate it.
Yet even the monumental task of loving ourselves isn't quite enough. We need to recognize, value, and celebrate the love of Christ in those around us and work our hardest to help them recognize the love we see in them. We never know who needs it most.
During my junior year spiritual retreat, my priest explained that a girl from my school was considering suicide. She had told him that when she walked down the hallways between classes, no one greeted her. She had felt friendless and unloved for months. Recall that I consider my high school one of the most compassionate, empowering, Christ-like sources of education in the nation. Yet even in this space of love, she felt hopeless. What if I had passed her in the hallway? What if I had seen her after school or in the lunch line and hadn't bothered to say hello because I was too wrapped up in my head or--worse--too scared of making her feel awkward and making myself seem strange for greeting her? After hearing my priest's story, I pledged to help others feel noticed, loved, and special through small acts of friendliness. No, I don't always remember my pledge. But when I do remember to show someone how special and needed they are, I feel incredible. Although it pushes me out of my comfort zone sometimes, it is so worth it when I notice how happy they are.
Love yourself. Love your neighbors. Love your God. (Matthew 22:37-39).
--Quirks included.
That's vague, isn't it? Here are a few ways we can put our goals into effect this week:
Love of self:
- Take five minutes to look at one part of your body: your hand, your nose, your knee. Look at it closely, analyzing the intricate parts of it and how it works with your body. Consider the intricate systems within it. Think about the molecular movement and composition within that body part. Even in such a tiny part of your body, God has graced you with intricate and awe-inspiring beauty.
- Every day, as you pick up your toothbrush, stand up tall with your shoulders back and lock eyes with yourself in the mirror. Smile. Don't let yourself feel like it's cheesy or strange.
- On the way to work or school, listen to a song that reminds you of your positive qualities and makes you happy.
- Sara Bareilles "Brave"
- One Republic "Everybody Loves Me"
- Kelly Clarkson "Stronger"
- David Guetta ft. Sia "Titanium"
- LMFAO "Sexy and I Know It"
- Close your eyes, blocking everything out, and ask God to tell you why he loves you. He has so much to say.
- Remember moments in which you were proud of yourself or happy with yourself. Marinate in the memories for a while and encourage yourself to be the person you were in those moments.
- Purposefully put yourself in situations where you are near people you don't particularly like. Challenge yourself to make conversation with them and find one genuinely nice quality about them. If you're feeling extra loving, mention it to them. (They might need it!)
- Say hello to the strangers you meet today and have a brief conversation with them, asking about their day, listening, giving genuinely interested feedback. If you're waiting in line, continue the conversation.
- Write a thank you note to a mentor who inspired you. Even if it's brief, they'll really appreciate it.
- Take time to say hello to your cashier or custodial staff. Genuinely thank them for their help.
- Call a close friend or family member you don't get to see too often. Spending time talking with them could make them feel really loved, even if it's a quick phone call.
Remember that I love you, and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. Have a great week!
Prayers up and anchors down,
Katie :)
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