We're All Imperfect

We're all imperfect. Take myself, for example:

• I am not as thin as I could be.
• I had braces for two years, and never achieved the smile that I wanted.
• My heart is made up of a million different insecurities.
• My skin is the epitome of "white and nerdy."
• Acne. (Do I really need to say more about that?)

Now, I could go on for ages about these imperfections, except, who cares? They don't define me. They each play a role in making me unique; seriously, why strive to look like a Victoria Secret model* when you can offer the world more than material worth?

*(Just don't. Don't disrespect your body, and don't strive to be a sex icon. You're worth so much more than that.)

I used to think physical perfection was beautiful. But, physical perfection doesn't exist. We all have things about ourselves that we consider flawed. And, chances are, you're the only one that notices the majority of them. No, really. We don't notice the things you hate about yourself, just as you don't notice the things I hate about myself.

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We all want to be loved and accepted, and be happy forever. We can't help it; it's written into the fabric of who we are. And it totally sucks that society portrays the lie that if we're super thin, super tan, and blemish free, THEN we will find those things; then we'll be loved; then we'll be accepted; then we'll be happy. Society tells us that we should disrespect our bodies and become images of sex, to both men and women.

Stop. Stop, right now. Don't you dare buy into that lie. Believe it or not, those things will fade. Your skin will not be perfectly tan forever (unless, of course, you're into feeling like leather), and your body will wear out. Want to know why? We were not made to last forever. We never were. We were not made to be sex icons, nor were we made to think our physical appearance will cause us to achieve love and acceptance.

Because it won't. Not the kind our hearts long for.

Here's a secret: that happiness I mentioned earlier? Temporary. Happiness is not what our hearts want; we want joy. Happiness is simply a product of joy. Make sense? Happiness = Temporary. Joy = Eternal.

Loves, we aren't going to truly begin to experience joy, love, or acceptance, until we come to the understanding that only Jesus can provide those for us.

He died for YOU. He laid down His life for you. John 15:13 says that there is no greater love than that.

Did you catch that?

No. Greater. Love. Not only are you loved, but you are loved with a love that cannot be surpassed! No other love compares to the love that Christ loves you with. You are loved. Love love love. Gets a bit repetitive, but isn't that the point?

The flaws that stick out so blatantly to us? They're loved. Because they are a part of who we are, and, as we just established, we are loved. In fact, I don't think Jesus even considers them to be flaws. Song of Solomon 4:7 says, "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is NO flaw in you." Do you need to read it again? Go for it. Memorize it. Because that verse is meant for you and me, and not something to be cast aside as an afterthought.

Society points out your "flaws" and tears you down. Jesus doesn't even see them. He's too busy loving you.

You are loved, and you are worth loving. If you still don't believe me, read this post again. Do it until you believe it.

-Madison