Content note: This post includes discussion of body image, self-worth, and negative self-talk.

I am not my own biggest fan. I am also not my own hype man, I am fortunate enough to have a spouse who does that for me. Honestly, I constantly find something wrong with myself despite everyone else’s efforts to tell me how wonderful they think I am. Congratulations on working on your masters. Well, I am not getting all A’s. Congratulations on having two kids. I haven’t lost the baby weight yet. You are such a blessing in my life. You should see me when I am angry. I am great at self-depricating. In fact, I became so good at it that when people would pick on me, I would laugh and say, “That’s all you found?” I don’t remember the last time I took a compliment without finding something wrong with me that negates it. I find every flaw and harp on it until I am able to fix it. It’s a terrible habit, striving for perfection only for it not to be possible. Perfection is unattainable. God designed humans in His image but not with the possibility of perfection. We have flaws, make the wrong choice, and do not always follow what He calls us to be. By God’s grace, we are forgiven for not being perfect. We are made whole in God’s strength, and that is perfect. One of my favorite phrases is God thought the world needed you. How amazing is that! God made the most amazing creations in the world, and he knew it needed me…..and you. That’s comforting beyond words. So when the world is telling us that we are not smart enough, pretty enough, or successful enough, remember that none of that matters and take all of the other words out because God says we are enough.