This month's episode of the podcast is going to be formatted a little bit differently than our typical conversations. My prayer is that formatting an episode this way would challenge you to be vulnerable; find someone you trust to pray, ponder, and walk through this set of questions with you.
Here's the truth: the way we view our bodies is not a shallow, surface issue for the immature or the vain. The way we view our bodies is a deeply spiritual issue because our bodies are made by God, in the image of God, and they are where we encounter God for now.
Body image IS a deeply spiritual issue.
After listening to this episode, here is a list of questions to walk through in your small groups, with a mentor, or quietly and independently with God:
1) What do you believe are the leading causes of body image struggles for young girls in our culture today?
2) WHY is it vital that we answer the hard questions, like - do I like this body and will I respect this body?
3) Advice for parents trying to help a teenager who struggles with "bad" or negative feelings about her physical appearance? IE: Our daughter has a poor body image and a distressingly negative view of herself, but she won't talk about it. How do we bring this up without smothering her, alienating her or otherwise hurting our relationship?
4) What are practical ways to teach kids to honor and respect their bodies, without body shaming? Some examples that I've come to appreciate: eating healthy foods that make me feel good, taste good, and give me energy - prioritizing sleep and rest - being active every day - focusing on holistic health (physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being) more than just the physical.
Here are some resources we think will help to guide you in your conversations:
Lastly, if you don't have anyone to walk through these questions with - WE would love to do that with you. Send us an email at abundantlifeym@gmail.com to connect.
Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.
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