Post-Baby Body Image

Body after baby is something else. I gained almost 20 pounds with baby and lost 15 almost right off. It has been so tough to shed the last bit. And by tough, don't think I've given up chocolate or wine! But I might need to. I am more in awe of my body than ever before. It's a miracle that it carried this little life. I like my body better but I recognize it is much different. I have feared loosing myself in mommyhood. It has happened in part and that is alright. Being a mom is sacrifice. I still believe in taking care of myself (daily devotionals, weekly workouts, and a random pedicure) and it has to be purposeful to happen. More than ever it's about efficiency and priority. My priority is my faith, husband, Squeak, Stewbaby, family, friends, work, and the list goes on.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

"... women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works."

Isaiah 61:10

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Psalm 139:14
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

1 Peter 3:3-4 (shared by Erin from Blue Eyed Bride!)

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

 I read the Blue Eyed Bride's post "The Wardrobe and White Space." It could not have been perfect for where I am and what I needed to hear. And I agree wholeheartedly: while I love love love clothes, I often buy pretty clothes to hide behind them. People look at the clothes and not at me. And, like Erin said, it siphons money unnecessarily from our bank account. Sounds like a loose-loose to me. This year I want to be more purposeful. The word I keep clinging to is providence. I want to be aware of God's providence, or divine guidance, of my life. Body image seems like a great place to start. I love pearls, gold, and good clothes. But doesn't modesty, self-control, good works, salvation, righteousness, imperishable beauty, gentle/quiet spirit, and precious in God's sight sound so much better? Do you want a friend with pearls, gold, and good clothes ... or the latter description? We are fearfully and wonderfully made. What a great thing to celebrate!!! Xoxo-BLC