{inspired via}
Some of you may remember that back in September, Sophia Bush spoke out against a shirt that was being sold at Urban Outfitters that promoted eating disorders with the words “eat less” on the front by bringing back her campaign on One Tree Hill of “Zero Is NOT A Size”. I know this is “old news,” but I stumbled across the article again this week and it inspired me to write this post.
“Part of the reason I still appreciate the message behind ‘zero is not a size,’ is that it doesn’t make any sense. There’s no universal size chart. So what does it even mean? What does it mean to be a size zero? What does it mean to be a size four, a size ten? It doesn’t mean anything. Again, I don’t believe that beauty fits into one box and I don’t think that it matters. I think that if you’re healthy, if you take care of yourself and enjoy your life, that the number on the tag in your sweater should not be what defines you.” – Sophia Bush
This was so true when I was shopping this past weekend. I was in the same store and wore 2 different sizes in jeans. There is no universal size chart, but still, as women, we let that number define us. We let it tell us our worth instead of finding our worth in Christ. In our constant media crazed world, we have society perpetually showing us we need to look a certain way.
But lets be honest, we are all made completely different. We have different genes, height, and body shape. Yet, we still compare ourselves to others or wish we looked like someone else. If i’m completely honest, I’m not sure there is a “quick” answer I can give you to instantly combat these feelings of not being good enough or striving to look a certain way.
I think it is a process of letting God work on you through your struggle and finding where you are free. “Am I free when I am counting calories and limiting myself to not enjoying foods that I love? No. Am I free when I am so overweight that I have no energy to play with my future kids or I’m too out of breath to hike with my husband? No.” – Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn wrote that post back in April and I still remembered her words to this day. “Am I free when I am counting calories and limiting myself..?” This is not how we should live. I remember thinking how much I could relate to Kaitlyn’s story and I think if we are honest, most of us can. At some point in our lives, we haven’t felt free.
Like I said above, everyone is different and I believe at different points in our lives we will be “free” at different sizes or weights. But once we have a relationship with Christ, we are ultimately set free from our biggest issue.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1-4
This doesn’t mean that we won’t still struggle with feeling inadequate or comparison. But it does mean that we have the “power to demolish strongholds” through our faith in Christ.
I am a woman. I am a child of the King. I struggle with the need to feel perfect. I believe that “Anorexia is a disease, not a fashion statement. Beauty has nothing to do with what size you wear, it has to do with what’s in your heart.” – Sophia Bush
Marquis Clarke
Yes! Honestly, it would be nice if they had a consistent sizing system–one actually based on inches or measurements. I don’t see any way people could even claim that they are a certain size–I’ve even tried on clothes in stores where the size 0s are too big…and then in other brands, the 7s fit! None of that makes sense.
Marquis Clarke
Love this, girl! So glad you felt inspired to write about such a tough issue. I’ve had friends struggle with eating disorders, and it can be so frustrating to live in a culture that (at times) celebrates them. We’ve got to keep spreading messages of love for all women and combat the mindset behind “she is beautiful” and “she is not”! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Marquis Clarke
Thanks for posting this! I’ve been feeling that same way. Part of me feels like when gorgeous celebrities like Sophia speak out that I’m doing something wrong sometimes. I’m not a size zero, not anywhere near it and probably never will be, but I dunno… it’s great she’s trying to speak out against this type of thing, but it makes me feel bad about myself sometimes. You know?
But you’re right, once we’re in a relationship with the Lord, we can be free from all those minuscule issues.
Marquis Clarke
Preach it girl. I totally agree with this. Not to mention, all women carry themselves differently!
Marquis Clarke
Love this!
With A City Dream
Marquis Clarke
I wrote a post sort of like this last week, about the new “plus size.” I genuinely do not care about the number on the tags in my clothes. I care that i’m healthy, feel good, am having fun, and living my life the best that I can.
Marquis Clarke
Great post!
I am working on a post myself about body issues and the media. Someone close to me is only 11, yet she feels the need to be thin, to have a thigh gap. She’s under the impression having the thigh gap means you’re beautiful and healthy! It’s so sad 🙁 She is not overweight in the least and is a perfectly healthy, active ELEVEN year old! It’s insane.
Marquis Clarke
What a powerful post! In this day and age it is so sad to see women of any age struggling with that number in the tag. My prayer is that one day we will ALL realize our worth is built on more than just the size of our body.
Marquis Clarke
Love this!
<3
Harlynn
http://www.mindyourmadness.blogspot.com
Marquis Clarke
I do feel bad for those struggling with being underweight in today’s society though. Can go either way. Love this comment!
Marquis Clarke
It is nice to know I can count on the size of my heart to stay the same, when the size of my jeans changes so much. I love the post. http://www.loveandwaffles.com
Marquis Clarke
I’m really hoping for the necklace. It’s something I’d like but wouldnt buy for myself.
Marquis Clarke
I would really like to win the J Crew gift card.
Marquis Clarke
Thanks for this post, I think it’s a great encouragement for Christian girls and women :).
Marquis Clarke
I would like to win the J Crew gift card
Marquis Clarke
Is really like the j. Crew gift card! But all the prizes are great!