I Just Look Like This

When I was married my husband had this phrase he would say when he felt someone thought he was easy to get over on and it would tickle me to hear him say "I just look like this here " basically saying just because I look stupid doesn't mean I am. Today as I write I want to use it differently...I look well put together...always strong...without struggles...or a care in the world...I JUST LOOK LIKE THIS...but I share the same struggles as anyone else. I have accepted the fact that God places people in my life that have similar insecurities I have had...similar struggles and questions as me...but one of the hardest thing with talking to people within these situations is convincing them we share the same battles...I JUST LOOK LIKE THIS. There was a young lady who felt her body was all she had of value to offer a man...when she first started talking to me she thought for sure I would judge her or think she was dirty but once I shared the exact same battle that I had with self image and how God showed me how valuable I am then changed my thoughts of my worth she saw hope for herself. There are so many times I have been forced to tell someone something I did in my past or went through that was embarrassing or actually held me hostage from shame in order to witness to someone who was in the same situation . One of the biggest mistakes we as Christians make is acting as if we have never done things wrong or shameful...we often come off condescending or as if we have arrived to the highest state of glory to the point we can look down on others. I personally make a point to explain my imperfect ways now and in the past. I don't do this to excuse behavior but to say we ALL are imperfect and we ALL have done things we are ashamed of. Not only that but we ALL also have struggles. The great thing is being able to know God brought me out of my ridiculous mess then and continues to revamp me as I grow. To me that is what being a Christian is about being able to use your battles that you have won to inspire someone in the same situation. So if you see me and think I'm always on top...or have it all together...or always do the right thing..etc...just remember I'm no better than you or anyone ekse.. I JUST LOOK LIKE THIS.

It's not what you go through....its how you go through.