Walking in a high school or middle school  bathroom I see girls putting on make up, and getting their hair ready to face the cruel world once again. But what I’m hearing is what aches my heart. At least every one of those girls have something to complain about whether it be what their wearing, their hair, their make up, or anything they can think of at the time. Who tells us to think like that? Even adults do it too. Saying what we don’t like in the mirror only cuts down our self-esteem this then can lead to other life threatening things (eating disorders, cutting, etc.) I have written a few things that have helped me over the years as a teenage girl who did struggle with image. Then though, I didn’t realize what God has to say about me is the only thing that matters. Think of the most beautiful flower you’ve ever seen. Now think of God the creator who made that flower, those stars, the sun resting perfectly behind the mountains, the perfect fields that makes you want to run through them barefoot. The God who makes us stand in silence as we look at His creation  created  us (Genesis 1:27). I never did put it this way, but it’s true  when we tell God what we don’t like what we see when we look in the mirror we’re telling Him He had made a mistake. Do you believe He made a mistake when He created you? I sure hope your answer is no. God doesn’t drop the paint brush and never will; He’s perfect and I believe we all forget that sometimes. I have written a few exercises that I know people have used to remind and help themselves that they truly are created in Gods image.

***Before starting these exercises throw away anything that can harm your life (blades, pills, toxins)***

Exercise 1: Write this verse on your mirror or a sticky note by your mirror Psalm 139:13-14 “For you have created me in my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” Make sure its a mirror you use everyday. Let this verse become a prayer between you and God.

Exercise 2: When you look in the mirror pick at least one good thing about yourself. It could be about your appearance or personality. 

Exercise 3: This one is a tricky one because when you’re doing this one your saying your satisfied with what you see. Smile in the mirror even if you don’t want to before you leave. Remember God doesn’t drop the paint brush.