A lovely hind, a graceful doe—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you always be captivated by her love. Proverbs 5:19, TLV

Healthy Body Image? What exactly is body image? Formally defined: body image is a person’s perception of the aesthetics or attractiveness of their own body. It involves how a person sees themselves. The problem is, how we perceive ourselves may have little to do with reality. How others perceive us may have even less to do with reality.

Poor body image can affect a person in many ways, including performance in academics or in one’s professional and relationship satisfaction, and overall quality of life.

So, what does this have to do with today’s verse? This proverb is addressed to the husband. But it can apply to either spouse, parents, teachers, leaders, etc.

Fidelity and Love

The heart of this verse is fidelity and love. In marriage, it is the covenant of commitment for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and the keeping only unto themselves. That means we choose to always be captivated by one another’s love. This love sees past the wrinkles, extra pounds, morning breath, and other unattractive exterior appearances. Commitment sees past these into the beauty inside — the wonder of kindness, compassion, humor, wisdom, and joy.

Observation

Why is this important? Experts say that body image issues begin as early as three years old — mostly little girls. Three years old! How a parent sees their own body influences their children. How a spouse views their mate’s appearance is soaked in by their little ones.

We blame television, movies, and print media for unrealistic body image, but problems can also arise in the home, school, congregation, the playground.

How a daddy speaks to his daughter can make the difference in a young woman viewing herself as a precious gift or a disappointment. Taking the time to encourage a son who may not have the athletic abilities of his parents or siblings, but has an artistic gift, can make the difference in a young man developing passion for his gift or believing themselves a failure.

Knowing we are loved for who we were created to be — and not what others’ expectations are — is a Godly quality. We can all work to achieve that quality. It begins by taking the time to observe and get to know the person. Seeing past whatever impediments and into the beauty the Creator has placed there.

Who knows the impact that true reality can have on a precious child of the Father.

May we be captivated by the Father’s reality in those we love, my friends.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH POOR BODY IMAGE? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME? HAVE YOU HELPED SOMEONE WITH POOR BODY IMAGE? HOW DID YOU HELP THEM OVERCOME?