Today’s society is obsessed with beautiful bodies. Some people are out of balance as they seek to have bodies that only 5% of our population possess. Many of the other 95% are frustrated in their efforts to achieve the impossible. All of us have bodies that are shaped and sized following the genetic patterns established by our progenitors. Eating wisely and exercising properly will help people maximize their potential, and they will be happier when they accept and are grateful for the bodies they have been given.
The media bombards us with pictures of men and women who have bodies that have been digitally enhanced. What we see most often are not real people, yet we are given messages that our bodies are unacceptable, unless of course, we buy and use wonderful, new, even magical, products. The effects of the products are at best temporary and the end result is still the same: few people like the bodies they have.
Almost all of us wish our bodies were different in one way or another. Even super models struggle with self-esteem and live in fear that they will lose their beauty. Some people think that they will only be accepted if they maintain the perfect outward appearance and fear that they will never be loved for what they are on the inside. Unfortunately, people continue to be taken in by the media; they continue to believe their core value is determined by the shape and size of their bodies.
Adults and youths are being seduced into thinking that their happiness lies in having a perfect shape. Cosmetic surgeons busily and profitably sculpt bodies into something more acceptable. Women in increasing numbers suffer the terrible effects of bulimia and anorexia because they are caught in their fixations for perfectly thin bodies.
Some invest fortunes, time, and energy, in worrying about appearances that in the eternal scheme are of little consequence. On the other hand, others declare their independence from foolish pride and vanity and refuse to be controlled by the tyranny of media images.
Death ultimately comes to all people with the promise of perfectly resurrected bodies. Will our resurrected bodies be short or tall, thin or wide? Will anyone even care? Will it make a difference in how we experience eternal life?
What if we spent our energy developing our inner beauty? Are we over-emphasizing the things that matter least and losing sight of the things that matter most?
Actually, people of all sizes and shapes have found they can be happy, can love and be loved, can marry successfully, can have children, and can enjoy happy and fulfilling lives just as they are.
How refreshing to see husbands and wives assure each other of their love and devotion even though their bodies have gone through the interesting changes caused by aging. Three cheers for people who have learned to look beyond outward appearances to the basic goodness and rich qualities found in those who make and honor commitments, are positive, enjoy life, and create genuine companionships.
Beauty still is only skin deep. People must not be blinded by society’s definition of beauty but look instead for well-developed minds and shapely character. The most important attributes to develop are to love God and one another, live Christlike lives, and enjoy the blessings of happiness in this life with the assurance of receiving eternal joy in the next.
Dr. Coombs is a professional marriage, family, and individual therapist with a private practice in Washington City. He and his wife, Marva write articles together and offer presentations on strengthening marriage and family. Call them at 435-272-4292 or email them at dmcoombs@gmail.com.
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