I don’t exactly fit my pre-pregnancy pants…and the ones that I do fit-they aren’t without that cute little muffin top-which means my tops are limited b/c that’s just not something that I want to accentuate. Honestly, getting ready for church is one of the most frustrating times with that muffin top…it’s so hot in our house at that time of the day and most of the time I started getting ready too late. So it’s typical for me to feel hot, rushed and of course LARGE!
I have to say it’s been a grace of God that I have a friend who gave birth 6 weeks after me-so we feel gross together and I think it gives us a sense of normalcy-but what is it about not fitting into your pants that just really makes something go off inside of you?! It’s H-A-R-D! Post pregnancy body is not fun.
As I’ve talked with her it’s been so revealing. And I can see through my tears and frustration before church that I value so much of the way I look above more things than I’d like to admit. And as my friend asked…Is this something new? Or has it always been there? This vanity of mine- I can’t get away from it. Lord, help me! I think it’s always been there, but it’s post-pregnancy times like this that show me how deep it goes. And it goes deep my friend. Very deep.
So as I was reading from 1 Peter 1: 24, 25 last week I found myself relating to a verse that I thought I’d cling to more when I was maybe 60 years-old or so. Here is the verse:
All flesh is like grass, all it’s glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls,
But the word of the Lord remains forever.
And the word is the good news that was preached to you.
(60 years is not when your body really starts to wither…Haha apparently it’s 25.)
So, Peter, what you are telling me is that my flesh is withering? Okay. For real I get it because when I grasp at it, it slips through my fingers. Note to self: Heather, it’s only down hill from here. Don’t grasp at it like it will last forever and bring you all your happiness, there’s only One that will do that.
Only the Word of the Lord remains forever. And what is the Word? The Good News that was preached to you! Oh man, Lord, help me to remember it and love it!
I'm loving that my community makes me question motives more than I ever have before. Such a blessing to see the need for the gospel in the little things!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Abigail! Yes, it's like that song by Tedashii "Need it daily"
DeleteWhat an honest post, but so eye-opening! Thank you for sharing as I think this is a struggle for many women, not even after post-pregnancy... And what a sweet joy that is to know that His word is everlasting and never-changing, as well as our identity rests in Him and not from the world!
ReplyDeleteYea, I wish I would've been more honest with myself before pregnancy-then I think this wouldn't be so hard. So happy that His Word and Good News are constant.
DeleteThe Lord is using you to speak truth into the lives of your readers. You don't know how much I needed to hear this, but He did. Thank you for being so honest and allowing God to make you His instrument.
ReplyDeletePraise God! I'm happy God used it! Bless you Sara!
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ReplyDeleteHeather instead of looking at the "muffin top" or letting the new extra love "slide through your fingers", take it in and appreciate that the lord has made it possible for you to carry your child and give birth to such a beautiful and healthy baby girl. So next time you are trying to get dressed, don't get frustrated, hot, and bothered. Look at all the LOVE GOD and Rosie have left you with. I see my stretch marks and thank God for Harvey. I have taken it all in as an appreciation for my body and the gift GOD gave us.
ReplyDeleteHey Dom,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment and following along! I really appreciate all your comments.
I meant that when I put my hope in looking good-it always fails me-it slips through my fingers because physical beauty is fleeting and temporary-not lasting.Only Jesus will last forever.
Don't get me wrong. I am totally thankful for Rosie and I am def amazed at how God made our bodies to carry a child (truly amazing!). I hope I didn't sound like I'm not thankful for her or regret giving birth haha.
Just trying to highlight how the after effects on my bod have brought out the depth of my sin, and that the only way to come out from that sin is by looking to my Savior and the Good News that was preached to me about how His body was destroyed FOR me! That I may live. My sacrifice was nothing compared to HIS. And that's what gives me the motivation to not sin, and also to love Rosie.
Does that make sense? I need to work on the point of my posts a little better. Sorry.
Again, thanks for following along! Love to hear what you have to say!
Heather