The Magazines Got It All Wrong
Even if the magazines say that my thighs are too wide to fit these $200 jeans; these are the same thighs that lift me up and let me walk. These thighs let me run away from danger and run toward tomorrow. These thighs are just fine.
Even if the magazines say that my calves aren't slim enough in their shape; these are the calves that contract when I cannot reach. These calves allow me to stretch higher, whether it's to reach a high shelf or to reach closer to God Himself. These calves are just fine.
Even if those magazines say that my arms are too flabby to wear sleeveless shirts; these are the same arms that reach out and hold the burdens that I must carry. These are the arms that hug my children and caress my husband. These arms are just fine.
Even if those magazines say that my skin is too dark to be considered attractive; God, the Original Beauty Expert, created this skin hue. This skin is just fine.
Even if those magazines say that my lips are too thick; these are the lips that can uncover a smile that brightens up another’s day. These are the lips from which the words of God are whispered or shouted. These are the lips that contain words to lift up my fellow man and woman. These are the lips that kiss away the pain from my children. These are the lips that show my husband that he is desired and loved. These are the lips that form the solutions to make the world a better place. These lips are just fine.
Even if those magazines say that because I am intelligent and stubborn and opinionated, it's unlikely that I would ever find friends; here I stand with at least 13 other women who look like me and think like me and who are equally different from me. Over the past decade and a half, we have all grown up, grown out, and grown into ourselves. These friends are just fine.
Even if those magazines say that I would never be able to find love because I am a strong female; I have loved anyway. This love I have felt has been as temporary and fleeting as butterflies’ wing. This love I have felt has been so strong that it merged lives and created new human beings that are living testament to that love. I have loved just fine.
Even if those magazines make you question yourself; remember who’s you are. God Himself created everything in you, on you and about you. He created you as a temple of beauty that might glorify Him. Honor Him and do not criticize yourself or get distracted by what some magazine says you should or should not be. God thinks that you are just fine.
Andrea Wallace is a Marketing executive who's personal mission is "To give voices to the Voiceless." She serves her family and community in Dallas, Texas.
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