I’m Thankful for Cellulite...*repost*

by Rachel

As you look at the picture above, what are you thinking?

When I found it, I was drawn to the look on her face.  That is not the look of someone who likes what they see.  They are evaluating- and finding things below expectations.

So, why am I thankful for cellulite?

Thankful for physical imperfections?

Blemishes?

Scars?

When I look at these things now, I think of one thing-redemption.

My physical imperfections are reminders of my other imperfections- selfishness, pride, impatience, anger...

They remind me that no matter how much I seek to minimize or hide the imperfections, the truth is still under there.

The clothes that fit just right might hide it.

Paint a pretty picture.

But underneath, the truth remains- I have imperfections.

I might put on a "good face," try to appear all put together.

But inside I could be falling apart.

And no matter how hard we fight it- we are wasting away- aging- we are dust.

God sees our heart and knows the number of our days. 

We can't hide from Him.

And on days like today- I say- thank you God.

Thank you for truly seeing me and still loving me.  For doing more than any other has done- or ever will do- to prove your love.

Thank you for not leaving me this way- but promising me glory- full redemption- a recapturing of what was lost.

Thank you for not shaming me for my failings and weakness- but embracing me just as I am- blemishes and all.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

¹³ It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. ¹⁵ All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

In our culture we try to perfect our outer appearance.

Surgeries.

Workouts, Diets...

Endless hours battling for what others have labeled "perfection."

Our scars tell stories- those without and within.

They serve as a testimony of the life we have lived.  Do they point to God?

Do all of our strivings have at their root a desire to be connected to the source of all good that can be found in this life?

Rest in God today.  In love that knows no bounds or limits.

Dwell continually with our Savior and God- draw strength from our Rock and Redeemer.

Contemplate how God sees you today- forget this world and all the people in it.

He treasures you as His child.  He longs to heal and restore us- to bring us eternal joy- can we trust Him in this life?

Believe in His goodness when the clouds gather.

Remember our God who loves us and pursues us-  He sent His Son to die for us- and continues to woo us.

Turn to Him and run into His arms.

Embrace your imperfections- they remind us that we don't have to live this life alone.

We have God with us.  The Holy Spirit dwelling in us.  Jesus Christ, our intercessor.  God, our Father and Lord.

Let Him love you today- just as you are-scarred and bloody- weary and worn- fearful and doubting.

He knows your heart.

Let Him in.

Lord, sometimes we don't know how to let you love us.  To give the hurt over to you.  All the wounds- feeling we are not enough.  Wishing we looked different, acted different- sometimes just longing to be invisible.  Heal us from the wounds that other people words and actions have left.  May we feel your love covering all the scars and blemishes inside and out.  Make us new.  Restore joy in our hearts and lives- may the words and actions of others that seek to wound us prove ineffective.  May their attacks be blocked by our complete rest and trust in how you see us.  We are redeemed.  We belong to you.  May we cling to you as we walk through our day- that the things of earth would grow dim- in the light of your Glory and Grace.  In Jesus Name, Amen.