Fearfully and wonderfully made

As a journalist, I face my fair share of criticism, from grammar mistakes, to covering a controversial topic. But I received a comment from a reader that criticized something I never thought I would face criticism for in the newspaper industry.

With a background in broadcasting, I have seen a fair share of e-mails and text messages addressed to my former coworkers judging them on their looks. Last Friday, I received a letter from a reader also critical of my looks, referencing my wedding announcement published in April.

The reader did not leave a return address and did not leave a name. I don’t wish to repeat the exact words said, but in a nutshell, the reader criticized my size, criticized my husband’s size and “encouraged” me to lose weight.

Trying to sprinkle in complements like “bubbly” and “full of potential,” the reader thought they knew my story and assumed from one picture, two months ago, that I am unhealthy, that I make unhealthy decisions, that I don’t care for my body and that I haven’t made strides to live healthy.

What this reader doesn’t know is I had already lost 30 pounds before my wedding by eating healthier.

What this reader doesn’t know is that I struggle with eating disorders and have gone through periods where I’d starve myself to try and lose weight.

What this reader doesn’t know is I went on medication after college that caused me to gain weight.

What this reader doesn’t know is that I have constantly heard comments similar to this, from some of my family, my peers at school, people at the gym and random people walking down the street. It wasn’t these comments that prompted me to make changes; it was love and support from my husband and family that did.

Unless you are their doctor, it’s best to keep those comments to yourself. Many times, people say they are “concerned,” but the reality is they don’t like how I look and it makes them uncomfortable to see someone happy at my size.

If you are the person that makes these comments to others, I highly encourage you to think twice if you don’t know their situation, you don’t know their past, what habits they currently have and the steps they have taken.

Healthy living is important: eating a balanced diet, finding movement that you enjoy doing and quitting unhealthy habits can drastically improve your quality of life. 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 says our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we should honor God with our bodies, and I do believe that means living healthy and taking care of it.

For those who hear these comments: Psalms 139:14 says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Never forget your worth. You are worth more than a waistline. Your body, at any size is capable of great things. It houses your personality, your kindness, your intelligence and your inner beauty, regardless of a number on a scale.

Never let someone else’s insecurity try to dim your light. It didn’t work for me; my light isn’t going anywhere. Neither should yours.

HHJ News