Life Doesn't End With 50!

Reflecting on something a friend said the night before, I had a revelation and decided to post this on my facebook page:

Waterfalls... Rainbows... And Unicorns.

When I was a young girl, I went to a hypnotist to lose weight. I was a 4'10" twelve year old girl who weighed 148 pounds. That's a lot. Before he began, he asked, "What's your favorite thing? What brings you peace when you think about it?"

"Rainbows, unicorns and waterfalls". No lie.

So when he began hypnosis he said, "You're standing at the top of a waterfall, see yourself there the way you want to see yourself... Smaller waist, long flowing hair, nice arms and legs, and a beautiful smile.". Sounds kind of creepy, but these are all the things I told him I wanted , I was just this twelve year old girl.

I walked out of the hypnotists office feeling empowered. And, I lost over 50 lbs that summer. Do I believe in hypnosis? Well, I believe we can want to do something enough we'll try anything to get it.

See... My struggle wasn't necessarily the weight. It was about self image, and loving myself. I thought if I were beautiful, smaller, prettier I would obtain the love I wanted (especially from my dad).

The problem wasn't an eating or weight problem. It was a heart, self image problem.

This is one of the reasons I wanted to talk to girls about modesty, self image, self respect. There are so many instances in today's world where girls are being over sexed. It's everywhere. Competitiveness between young women these days is outrageous, and many times to the point of bullying...or hurting themselves... Lashing out at and hurting other girls.

The truth... God's love ❤ is the great over comer. Loving God first gives us what we need to love ourselves. Loving Him selflessly takes away everything we abhor about our selves, because when we give ourselves to him, we are no longer of ourselves but of the most high.... And what a Glorious place and feeling it is to be there.

Beauty is what God created. It's up to us, as older women, adults to teach young girls to reflect outwardly what God has done inwardly. A mighty task in deed...

Our youth groups have taken the focus off God, gotten so wrapped up in fitness, sports, competitiveness and fun. The lesson's taught are overshadowed by what comes NEXT.

Then....There's the girl or boy standing on the sideline feeling the reason they're standing on the sideline is because they aren't good enough, worthy, pretty enough, fast enough... What lesson did they take from the youth pastor, when they're left standing there......

We can talk about Love, God... But if our own behavior doesn't reflect what we are trying to teach... These kids are going to be seeking waterfalls, unicorns and rainbows too to find it.

Our youth are often times forgotten in the course of our actions and all good intentions.  We need to remember, the best lessons in life cannot be taught, but learned.  Our youth are watching us, and as Christians, we need to set appropriate examples.  In today's world, where all is acceptable, everything goes, children are over sexed and promiscuity is the norm... we need to be supportive of them more than EVER!  God speed...

"But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. 18Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."  1 Thessalonians 5:12-22