The Way I See Her...

I've mentioned this before.  I feel like, as women, we spend so much time comparing ourselves to others and judging those who make different choices.  It starts very young...and even younger now it seems.  Who has the latest brand shoes?  Who has the newest version iPhone?  Who hangs out with the popular kids?  Who wears the latest boutique fashions?  As years go by, it doesn't end.  Who drives the newest car?  Who stays out late on the weekends?  Who even has their own car?  You would think that all the comparisons end as you enter adulthood.  But, what I've found is that adults can be just a bunch of junior high girls in bigger bodies.  We are still comparing ourselves and putting others down.  Who makes their own baby food?  Who is able to be the classroom mom?  Who sends the crafty snacks to school?  Who looks like they are ready to go out right after childbirth?  Who cooks five-course meals?  Who serves, helps, and never rolls their eyes at their husbands?

All these questions tend to affect how we, as women, evaluate our own lives.  Comparing ours to others.  Women, in general, spend too much time tearing ourselves down that it is no wonder our self-esteem often wavers.  It is also no wonder our children begin the cycle so young too.  Not just from older women.  But from television.  Movies and commercials and television shows star skinny, beautiful, flawless girls and women.  After awhile, we start to believe that everyone looks like that.

Except us.

When I look at Millie Janalee, I see perfection.  Literally.  Perfection.  Don't we all see our children as perfect?  Perfectly created by our God.  It hurts my heart to think that there will come a day when she looks in the mirror and isn't happy with what she sees.  I know that I will long for her to see herself the way I see her...

Beautiful!  Full of a natural beauty far beyond what I can describe.

I saw this video over at The Park Wife, and all I could think about is what I want Millie Janalee to see.  I want her to see herself the way I see her.  I want her to be grateful for her natural beauty inside and out.  I want her to find joy and give thanks for the way way God created her.  Every part of her.  God never makes a mistake.  She is perfectly made.  Perfectly woven to become a daughter of the King.  Please watch for yourself...

     

This is one of many reasons I decided to join with The Park Wife in the Women Bloggers network.  A network of women, from state to state, gathering together to grow and encourage each other.  I will be running the Mississippi site working to gather Mississippi ladies to get to know each other, share stories, and encourage each other.  We are preparing to launch soon.  So, if you are from the magnolia state...keep your eyes open so that you can join us!  Help us make a difference in the lives of other women in our state.  The website is not live yet, but you can check out Arkansas Women Bloggers.  This is where it all started four years ago!

Help women see themselves the way others see them.  Embracing their natural beauty and differences.