Another video for you…recorded just after my hot yoga class. {Good thing you can’t smell through a computer screen!} I tried to keep it short this time, but there’s so much more to say on this topic.
A few things about self-hatred that I didn’t say in the video:
1. Self-hatred likes to stay hidden. Exposing it may feel uncomfortable or outright absurd. If you’re uncomfortable, that’s okay…maybe even good. Let the light shine into the darkness so that more love can come into those places. {Good news: what God reveals, God can heal.}
2. Self-hatred isn’t measured by weight or outward appearance. Remember, it likes to hide, so sometimes it poses as a thin, fit, beauty queen. The same thing that drives one person to neglect her body can drive another to perfect her body.
3. Self-hatred isn’t limited to female body parts. We can be just as critical of any part of us that feels lacking or not enough. Take performance and productivity, for example. How do you feel about yourself when you’re knocking out to-do lists and getting things done vs. accomplishing nothing…not even a needed load of laundry. Are you still lovable? Every bit as lovable?
Need help uncovering where self-hatred {and toxic shame} is hiding? Look to the places where you strive for perfection. Or…notice what kinds of things you criticize in another. What is it you can’t stand about a friend…or even your child? Could it be that what you’re really can’t stand is a version of that very thing in yourself? Self-hatred is a master of disguise, but we have the power to throw the masks off. We have the power to agree with love.
Okay, so I’ve exposed a few places where self-hatred likes to hide, but I’m not going to leave you there. The point of exposure is to make more room for love. So let’s step into the light and ask God to help us love what He loves!
{Email subscribers: visit the blog to view the video.}
Wishing you so much love today!
Gracia @ Gracious Offering - Linsey, what a much needed message in our world where we are often made to feel that we do not measure up to “the ideal”. Loved your prayers suggestion, “God, help me to love what you love.” Even at my age, when I should know better, I find myself comparing myself to others and feeling less than. Blessings to you for your continued bravery. Love to see your smiling face and hearing your kind voice!
Bravehearted Beauty - Gracia, I always love hearing from you and am so honored that you’d take the time to watch the videos. And you know, I wish self-hatred had an expiration date!
Jennifer Camp - Hi, Linsey! I am so grateful for your voice, your wisdom, your kindness, your gentle and beautiful and fierce pursuit of the women He gathers close to you here. Loved seeing your face and hearing your voice over us. Thank you. Bless you, Beauty!
Bravehearted Beauty - God so often uses YOU to inspire my bravery. So thankful for your voice! My days wouldn’t be the same without it! xo
Mandy - It never fails to shock me speechless how God puts things in your path when you need them. I’ve been feeling like a loser for awhile now, I really need this self hatred to pack up & move on.
Thanks for this post & a fresh perspective. 🙂
Bravehearted Beauty - I love it when God does that!!! And you are right on: tell that self-hatred to leave. It has stayed around too long. Praying your heart will begin to believe in the beauty God sees when He looks at you!
Marissa - Thank you for your powerful words to us and over us today! This truly is something so many of us ladies are lacking and aching over because of it. In this world that bombards us with fake images of what is “beautiful” it can become a battle at times to keep our thoughts of comparison, of ourselves to those images and others, in check. Love that simple and powerful prayer, “Lord help me to love what you love”… Yes, Lord!! Oh, and “Self hatred is a master of disguise”…that’s such a good insight & so true! I’ll have to be on the watch for that sneaky one for sure. Thank you again. Have a wonderful day Bravehearted Beauty!
Bravehearted Beauty - Thank YOU for watching and responding. I’ve loved hearing from you recently. You are right about it being a battle. Our culture gives us no rest from the false beauty bombardment! But as God teaches us to love what He loves, we begin to look at ourselves with new eyes. Change is happening slowly, but surely!
Annie - I never comment on blogs – so this is my brave thing. Linsey, thank you for all of your posts and your videos. You are talking directly to me, about me and for me. I, too, suffer from depression and self-hatred. I try to hide it from the world and my family, but that can be quite the burden. I do believe in God and Jesus Christ and will try to “love what He loves”. Thank you so much for speaking such life giving words. You are such a blessing – God shines so beautifully through you in your videos!
Bravehearted Beauty - So proud of you for doing your one brave thing today, Annie! And I can tell you it blesses me to hear from you, so thank you! I feel like we can only learn to love what He loves by His power and strength. I ask Him to give me His eyes everyday. Mine aren’t the best at seeing what He sees, so I need His help! Bless you!
Linda - When I took yoga from Roberto, he began every class by having us hug ourselves and say, “I have a beautiful body. I am grateful for my radiantly healthy, beautiful body.” That was a very good thing.
Bravehearted Beauty - I remember that! I thought he was kooky! I had no category for loving my body then. And had no idea I even hated it! Look what revelation comes with age! 😉
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