Beauty is in the Eye of Christ

I was intrigued with a quote I read recently that was not attributed to any specific author. The quote reads, “The word ‘imperfect’ actually spells ‘I’m perfect’ because everyone is perfect in their own imperfect ways.” After a year of living with COVID-19, many of us are ready to embrace the joys of summer like never before. Sadly, with bright sunny days, picnics, barbecue’s, lazy days at the beach and rip-roaring amusement parks, summer also comes with collective anxiety over our appearance in summer attire, especially shorts and swimsuits. Many will look at themselves after a year of COVID-19 isolation and comfort-eating and “see” every perceived imperfection that keeps us from being model-like slim and ready to grace magazine covers. This is not emotionally healthy. It is definitely true that nutrition and exercise are profitable for our health, but fixation on being in perfect-summer body shape is not.

God declares His love to us in Jeremiah 1:5. I am sure that God knew and loved us anyway, with our expanding waistlines, double chins and sometimes jiggly thighs. Now, to be clear, getting in shape and nurturing a healthy lifestyle is good for mind, body and soul. However, our self-worth should never be tied to whether we look like the most popular models of the day. The Psalmist said, and I fully agree, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14). Loved-one, you are a part of God’s wonderful works! He loves us with all of our imperfections internally and externally.

If you legitimately desire to improve your health, do it with the help of a trusted physician, dietician or nutritionist. But, you do not have to wait until you lose weight or are considered fashion-photograph-ready to be accepted. You are perfect now, even with your flaws. For you see, when God looks at you, he sees the most special of all of his creations. So special, that every time you inhale and exhale, you do so with the breath of the Most-High (Genesis 2:7). Perfect, just the way you are!

“Elder Jerome Woods, II is an ordained minister at High Calling Ministries. Elder Woods is also a presiding judge in Maryland since August 2005, as the Hon. Jerome Woods, II, Administrative Law Judge.” He presides over numerous administrative hearings, involuntary commitment trials, mediations, and settlement matters and is an instructor in the Judicial College of Maryland and an adjunct professor of law at the Community College for Baltimore County He received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Literature from The George Washington University.”