Mirror Image

I avoid the mirror. Since I was very young, I have struggled with liking what I see

reflected. I hide when cameras come out and rarely see a picture of myself where I don’t cringe. That struggle probably started in grade school when some insecure people nicknamed me Hound dog because I have a large nose. We didn’t have a lot of money in those days, so my mom made most of my clothes and the kids at school didn’t believe they were stylish enough. Throughout those school years, my confidence tanked and I allowed others to dictate my worth based on my looks.

Many women I know struggle with this and wish something about their looks was different. Our culture loves to tell us what we should look like, how we should dress, what our weight should be, how we should do our hair and nails, what brand of purse we should carry. Should, should, should. That is not God speaking. That is the deceiver, trying to get us to forget what God has to say about us.

In the opening chapter of the Bible, Genesis 1:27 has this to say about us, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.” We are fashioned after our Creator and we should reflect that in how we view ourselves and others. Some of you may remember the Amy Grant song, My Father’s Eyes, which is so appropriate. We reflect our Father and that should give us the confidence to accept who He made us to be.

Our loving Heavenly Father does not make mistakes and since He is the one who fashioned us, we should not criticize His handiwork. Psalm 139:13-15 confirms how much care God took in making us, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” [emphasis added]. Do you see those words describing the artful and creative way God designed you? It is on that Truth we build our identity.

The next time the world tries to tell you that you don’t measure up, turn a deaf ear to that lie and remind yourself what the Truth has to say about you. You are made in the image of God. You were made with great care. You are God’s handiwork. You are not a mistake. Walk in that confidence today!