It’s a New Year.
And there’s a loud, unspoken pressure to create a whole New You.
Can you hear it? It comes from the media, maybe a mother’s wishes, or it might be from a mantra within:
It cries for a prettier, smarter, thinner, taller, better you.
I’m not against resolving to change things that need to be changed. Lean into Jesus and He will reveal what truly needs to be different in the New Year.
But the ever-present nagging demand that you change your physical appearance, keep a tidier house, have more obedient children, compare yourself to the other women in your life– is not from God.
You were God’s idea.
He created you just the way you are. He knows you inside and out. From the foundations of the earth, He knew you and He loved you. Just as you are.
Imperfect. But created in His image.
He knew we would struggle, but it’s in our weakness, we are made perfect. It’s in our inadequacy and low self-esteem, that He is made glorious.
I urge you in this New Year to embrace the Old You-the one that God knitted together in your mother’s womb.
He doesn’t produce accidents. You are not a mistake.
You are His idea.
Are you struggling today? Caught up in comparing your house, your body, your life to others?
How can we pray for you?
Leave a Comment
Jennifer says
Kristen, this is such a beautifully written piece, and such a needed concept in our society. Thank you.
Barbie says
Thank you for this reminder. I am getting ready to start my yearly journey of weight loss. I know God accepts me the way I am. I want it to all be for Him.
Lisa H says
Thank you for this! Although this is a year that I did not focus on resolutions to change myself (physically) but to continue to change from within. The past year has been full of change (emotional, spiritual and circumstances) and I am finally able to see a small bit of the goodness of it and its all from God. I’ve had a scripture that I have focused on each year recently that I didnt pick specifically for that purpose but it just happened to be perfect. In 2009 it was Jer. 29:11-14, in 2010 there were multiple but one that really stuck to me was “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Ps 46:10. This New Years I wanted a new scripture to focus on, one that depicts where I am at right now with God. Each of the others remind me of very specific times I’ve had those years. So this year my resolution is to truly believe and trust that God has me right where he wants me to be. My scripture I am going to focus on for 2011, or at least a good portion of the year, is : “he who began a good work in you [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6. He is not finished with me yet!
Pray that I can be still and stay out of his way to let him finish his work in me. Pray that I can continue to surrender control to him which is a daily sometimes hourly struggle for me, pray that I will open my eyes to opportunities he places in front of me so that I can come out of my shell of comfort and serve him the way he wants me to not how I think he wants me too.
Lisa
Amanda says
I love this. Thank you so much for this timely post!
kendal says
i love the scale picture. and the reminder (why do we constantly need this one?) that the nagging feeling that we should measure up to the women around us is not of god. blessings!
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
Kristen, this is such a lovely post. I love this – thank you!
Jenny @ The Southern Institute says
Thank you thank you thank you, Kristin! This was so needed for me. The funny thing is that I tend to compete with MYSELF as well as others. I expect myself to reach an impossible standard, a standard I’m sure my Savior is not holding me too, because it’s all about ME ME ME! This year, my heart’s desire is to serve… to love others well, and to be selfless.
Thanks again, Kristin. Happy New Year!
Jocelyne Sade says
Of such monumental importance it is that we do not compare, and accept ourselves and let GOD decide what needs to change. Thank you for such a timely reminder! Happy New Year, Happy New You in Christ!
Stephanie says
So true! And just what I decided this year too! I’ve never kept one of those stinkin resolutions in my life! I have a small house bursting at the seams with a crazy family, to set goals of a tidier house or to be more organized would be futile! lovely post Kristen. The only change we have to make is to draw closer to Jesus, seriously He will take care of the rest.
A blessed and Happy New Year to all!
Paige says
Thank you for sharing your heart today. My prayer is that I will step out of the way so that He can work within me in 2011. I am exhausted from trying to be the young woman others (family, friends, co-workers) want me to be. I want to be the me that He created me to be.
Happy New Year to all at (in)courage! Thank you for this site and all the blessings you pour out each day.
McKt says
Perfectly simple words of the message that pierces right to the heart of this woman. Thank you.
Katie says
Great illustration with the scale and the reminder from God. I have lost 9lbs since October. I am going to continue this journey. But more than losing weight I have always struggled with believing I am beautiful. I know the truth of God’s word, but I still struggle.
Anonymous says
Thank you. It needs to be repeated over and over.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Leslie says
Forgot my info above,
Chelsie says
Thank you for such a lovely reminder on this 2nd day into 2011. Like Paige said up there, I have exhausted myself trying to be who everyone else demands — when I just can be who He made me to be. I pray this year that all women in their 20s (because I know I am not alone) find a way to make peace with themselves as God created them to be.
You’re a wonderful writer!
Chelsie
Holley Gerth says
Oh, girl, I could hug you for writing this. Next time I see you I will! π Until then I hope these two words will take the place of my two arms–THANK YOU. I really needed this today.
Samantha @TheKelleyEight says
Wow. That pretty much sums up how I want to feel this year. I am not a mistake. Thank you so much for that beautiful post!
Beth Werner Lee says
You pegged me with:
But the ever-present nagging demand that you change your physical appearance, keep a tidier house, have more obedient children, compare yourself to the other women in your lifeβ is not from God.
Okay, maybe not so much comparing myself to other women because I’ve had a long time working that one out with God. But my appearance, house, and child…these are things I need to keep looking to God for, knowing that I am weak but he is strong (Yes, Jesus loves me!).
Thank you for pointing to God.
musings of a housewife says
This is beautiful, Kristen. I wish there were more of these posts at this time of year.
Rachel says
ThIs is exactly what I needed to hear today… and all day … every day… all year long. I will be putting it up in my house because I want others to see it and hear it through the voice of your words … and God speaking through you Kristen.
sonya says
that was nice. your so right…i think i’m pretty good right now, but i kept looking for something to change because it’s that time…when i should be happy. happy that god is working in me. happy that god made me just like this – in his image.
Stephanie says
What a great way to think about starting another year! Loving ourselves the way God loves us. I can imagine this would take care of a number of our “issues”. Thanks for this post.
Beth Williams says
God is working a miracle here today. This is just what I need to hear & often remind myself.
I have made some resolutions to better myself – both physically & spiritually.
Parents of a Dozen says
What wonderful words!!
Sara says
I’ve been caught up in comparing my body with other people lately and I’ve laid that burden at His feet. I needed this post today…thank you!
Marci@OvercomingBusy says
Love this! I hate the pressure of New Year’s Resolutions. They invite us to search out our flaws and dwell on them instead of counting our blessings!
gitz says
Amen, Kristen!
I struggled with anorexia most of my life, and then last year when Cushing’s hit [because of steroids used to treat my disease] it ballooned me by 70 pounds in four months. Then this year, after the shock of my Dad’s death and a resulting ulcer and being sicker, all of that melted off within six months.
I didn’t do a thing to gain it. I didn’t do a thing to lose it. It helped me realize I had tried for control over all these years, but I am just along for the ride. It’s going to be a hard lesson to remember, but one I’m going to try to hold onto. Even in my body, it’s not about me. It’s about what He can do through me.
We are THAT family says
You are an amazing woman. I pray that your life continues to be a blessing to others. Your suffering brings Him great glory, girl!
Jennifer says
Amen!
mandie says
amen!
Kaitlin says
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I just got home from church and started complaining to my mom about how I wish I was thinner and prettier and dressed better and etc. I needed this so much. Thank you. God bless!
Val says
Thank you for this!!! So perfect! AND, I LOVE the picture. I may steal that idea.
Tiffany says
Thank you.
Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations says
Beautiful! Love your pink toes girl!
Love,
Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations
Reese says
Thank you Kristen for the reminder.
Happy New Year, all. π
xo
Reese
frogla says
Gr8 reminder! Pray that I trust & praise Him in the midst of these awful circumstances.
Chantal says
God, I needed to hear that. So hard to accept though when your own mom thinks she knows what’s best for your life when you yourself know otherwise (she has a drinking problem and is a workoholic). I know I’m better than what my mom thinks of me (Jesus has made that abundantly clear to me over the last couple of days) but her voice is way louder than any other. And if I even dare to voice a different opinion, well, if she’s been drinking she’ll make than opinion invalid by any means necessary and even she hasn’t, my opinion doesn’t really count anyways. That God for Jesus and my CCO friends to help me see beyond all that. Pray for me.
We are THAT family says
Chantel,
I am so sorry. I am praying for you. Remember that you are never alone -Jesus is always with you. His voice is the only one that will bring you life.
Chantal says
Thanks! I try to remind myself of that often, but at times it’s so hard to really truly believe.
Tonya says
Oh my heavens, this is exactly what I needed to hear right this moment! I was just trying to decide if I wanted to make a 2011 Resolutions List to tape to my bathroom mirror. I’m NOT going to….instead you’ve inspired me to turn to Jesus for the changes He wants to make in me. Thank you!
Emily says
Love this! Thank you.
Carol says
This is THE best article I’ve read on the new year and resolutions!! Love the line:”Lean into Jesus and He will reveal what truly needs to be different in the New Year.” Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer says
I often feel pressured to change or be something better. I know that there are some things that I need to do not to change my appearance but to honor the temple that God gave to me. I still feel the “nag” you talk about in your piece. The lies from the enemy telling me I will never be good enough and I shouldn’t even try because I would just mess it up anyway. I have things in my life that I could do better, but then perfectionism takes over and I let go all together. If I could ask for prayer for anything it would be the courage to accept the things I can change and that I know I should and let go of things that I don’t need to worry about… like having a perfect workout routine. Because the truth is I will never have a researched exercise routine with the proper diet to match .. EVER… that’s just not my style, but I could pop in an exercise tape, go for a walk, take a class, or just do some crunches. The problem is I get stuck in thinking it all has to be done a certain way and it doesn’t. Thanks for praying ladies your support inspires and (in)courages me π
jenny says
Wonderfully put! Thanks so very much! Happy New Year!
Kathryn @Expectant Hearts says
This is such a great post. Thank you!! I am starting “Lies Women Believe” as an online bible studies with kelly Gerken @Sufficient Grace Ministries. and possibly Made To Crave with Lysa Terkeurst @Proverbs 31 Ministries.. and even though I LONG to do all those things, cleaner house, thinner me, I think THIS year, is GODs year. The year it’s about leaning into God.. not because I NEED To (our youngest son went to Heaven 2 years ago and God has been faithful to hold us up) but becuase I LOVE him and I want to. Thankl you for the encouragement!!
April says
Thank you for posting this! I know so many people who struggle with their self-image and self-esteem…me included. Reminding ourselves that God made us in His image helps us to build ourselves back up.
bridget {bake at 350} says
Great post, Kristen! I think we can all use that reminder. β₯
Karina says
Thanks for this. We all want to be unique, and be acknowledged as such, yet when we stand out somehow in a way that is ‘uncomfortable’ it makes us feel somewhat ‘wrong.’ It is weird, isn’t it? In all the ways that God thought us up and the plan He has to perfect His idea of us, we ought to rest in Him but we are impatient. … or rather I know that “I” become impatient. I want to be instantly changed… but He wants me to remember the process because in it I learn who He is. Letting him use “time” to grow me into more of His idea… hmmm. You’re getting me thinking of these things.
Reagan at Hidden No More says
What beautiful words and sweet reminders. I love the note you have on the scale. I think I’m going to have to change my scale this week! Thank you!
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