Perceptions

It's amazing the way we perceive others, ourselves, and people we admire.  For many people it's easy to notice the good in others but the bad in ourselves, especially concerning looks and weight.  However, when we think of people we admire, those looks and weight don't matter.  So what's changed?  Our perception.
Today I checked out an online support group for people who have negative feelings towards their body.  On there was a 15 year old girl, overweight with stretch marks, upset that no boy considers her beyond a friend and wishing she could be called beautiful.  I knew how upset she felt, I've felt similar pain on occasion myself, but I also knew something more, and this was my response:
School is incredibly tough. And guys that age are incredibly stupid and shallow. Believe me, they're not worth worrying over right now. If you don't feel beautiful it doesn't matter if anyone says you are, you won't believe them.I don't mean to sound religious but the truth is that these negative feelings and thoughts stem from Satan. And the reason he attacks the body, the reason he promotes porn, infidelity, and whispers things like "You're not good enough" and "Why can't you look like her" is because he doesn't have a body. And he can't experience the joy of having a body, of movement, of sledding in the snow, feeling the wind blow your hair, jumping into a cool pool, dipping your feet in a stream, having your first kiss, hugging your family, none of it! Can you imagine the anger it must create? No wonder he wants us to turn on our own!We still have the upper hand. So next time you feel him whispering at you, telling you that you're not good enough... say (out loud), "At least I have body." And for a moment, long or short, he will leave
Hold on to that. You have a body, a beautiful creation from our Father in Heaven, created in HIS image. You are able to experience life to it's fullest, the ups and the downs, and you have the power to stop the negative thoughts, to recognize your worth and ability.
Focus on what makes you happy, on serving others, on being a friend, and especially on smiling and having a good time, and people can't help but be drawn to you.  They will admire you in a way unrelated to your weight.  In the end, that will win you a man, but more importantly, it will win YOU.