Be Good to Your BodyНамуна

SPEAKING TRUTH

Once I finally got a medical diagnosis behind many of my struggles with fertility, acne, PMS and mood swings, I noticed myself being more compassionate toward my body. I felt challenged to consider this question: What would happen if I spent more time caring for my body than criticizing it?

I decided to find out. I took time to learn how to support my hormones and feminine physiology. I started replenishing my nutrients and minerals instead of restricting calories or entire food groups. I listened to my body when it needed rest. I started my days with the sun instead of a screen. I created a simple nontoxic skincare routine as a way to unwind before bedtime.

At the urging of a counselor, I also began to speak about my body differently. I realized how much my speech suggested that my symptoms were my identity. In particular, after suffering recurrent miscarriages, I had begun to think about myself as “someone who couldn’t have a baby.” My speech started to reflect what I had come to believe about who I was.

The Bible speaks to the power of words: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21 ESV). The thoughts we have and the words we speak are at the foundation of how we care for our bodies. If we believe and speak life and truth, that will elicit a response of caring for our bodies as part of God’s good creation. If we believe and speak death and lies, that will elicit a response of criticism and even a hyper fixation on whatever it is we’re criticizing.

The health challenges or insecurities you face are not your identity. Being gluten-free or vegan or any other label you may identify with is also not your identity. It cannot be. The moment being “crunchy” is elevated above being created by the God of the universe, or holistic living is elevated over being who you are in Christ, things get messy. Worship gets misplaced. The best way to support your body is to be gentle and patient with it, regularly give it the good things God made, and speak, think, and believe God’s truth about who He created you to be.

Lord, renew my mind and shape my words. I want to live in Your truth. Teach me to speak about my body with the same love and grace You show me. Amen.