I remember as a teenager being an extreme perfectionist.  The high school I attended was only 2 blocks away from our house, but I was late almost everyday.  I wasn’t late because I overslept or “dilly-dallied” around.  I was late because it took me over 3 hours everyday to style my hair and put on my make-up.  I would get up at 5:00am, shower, style my hair, and put my make-up on.  Then, I would do it all over again(always a minimum of twice, sometimes three times) before going to school.

As the years went by, my “morning frenzy” settled down a little, my need to be “perfect” didn’t.  I NEVER went out of my house without makeup (for the record, I still don’t); I was always dressed to perfection (my motto being “it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed); and I always strived for people’s approval (I didn’t just want it….I NEEDED it!).

Thankfully, God is patient and merciful!  Through the years, He has helped me overcome in this area of my life.  I finally understand that I am “marvelously and wonderfully made” with a unique plan and purpose.  I believe His Word that tells me I am an overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony(Revelation 12:11).  I understand the Scripture in Proverbs that says, “The power of life and death are in the tongue.”

I also understand that the ONLY approval I need is HIS!

Each one of us has a choice:  To be a victim or a victor.  Some practical steps to overcoming self-image issues are:

• Renew Your Mind:  Find Scripture that supports God’s awesome plan and purpose for your life.
• Make a List:  List at least 5 things you like about yourself.  You CAN do this!  These things can be related to your personality, your looks, your talents, your giftings, etc.
• Affirm Yourself:  Look in the mirror every day for the next six weeks and tell yourself (aloud) the things that you wrote on your list.  Speak forth God’s Word over yourself and your family.
• Be You:  Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.  God didn’t clone you….He created you!  You are beautiful in His sight!

You may feel a little foolish when you first begin following these steps.  But if you’ll follow them diligently, over time, it will change your life!

You have a lot to be thankful for!  You were created to be victorous!

**Photo above taken from www.freefoto.com