When We’d Rather Crop Ourselves Out of Photos
Do you cringe when you see photos of yourself?
Perhaps you hide from the camera because you’re worried your physical flaws will be frozen in the snapshot forever. You groan whenever someone posts a photo of you on social media. If you could, you’d crop yourself out of the photos, or at least Photoshop ten pounds off.
I envy those of you who don’t seem worried about how you look in the pictures others share on social media. Instead, you’re smiling and enjoying the camaraderie with those who obviously enjoy spending time with you.
Unlike you, I’ve missed out on many Kodak moments. Or, in today’s language, selfies with family and friends. If I don’t want to keep missing moments like these, I need to develop a different perspective.
I know I’m not alone, so I invite you to join me in developing a Christ-centered perspective.
Instead of being preoccupied with our (perceived) physical imperfections, we can ask God to help us see ourselves as others see us, especially those who love us and want us in their pictures. More importantly, let’s pray to see ourselves the way God sees us. We can ask Him to help us be less obsessed with our physical appearance as we think about this week’s verse.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14 ESV
We (you!) are wonderfully made.
We are God’s masterpieces!
What if we actually believed that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”? Wouldn’t this reality change the way we see ourselves? Wouldn’t it change the way we interact with others? Eventually, this truth could equip (and motivate) us to live as one who reflects His love as we become less insecure – and more Christlike.
As we continue to change, our character will become so attractive that it will radiate from our countenance, replicating the One Whose character we desire to emulate. As we become less and less focused on ourselves, including how we look, not only will our character be transformed, we just might become relaxed enough to enjoy being a part of other people’s lives.
Though we still might not be thrilled to have our pictures taken, perhaps by developing this mindset, we’ll stop running away from the chance of being included in the memories of those who love us – preserved forever on social media.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
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My smile is crooked, but I keep smiling. My hair is thin, but I am happy to have hair. In the past, I would look at photos of myself and frown. Now, I remember that I’m created by God and that makes me beautiful. Thank you for this encouraging message. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Hello, Melissa! It was nice to wake up and see your comment.
Your words blessed me today. I love the way you reflect God’s handiwork every time you smile. Your confidence in Him shines through your message.
It’s always nice to see you at Today Can Be Different. Thank you for dropping by again.
How would it change you if you actually believed that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made”?
I hear evening you’re saying, but I guess my character still needs a LOT of work. Lol I still hate seeing those perceived flaws immortalized.
I love you. Thank you guys making your point so clear that you’ve bruised all my toes.
XOXO
I love you too, Helen. Probably because we’re kindred spirits!
I plan on stopping by your site, Helen’s Points to Ponder, soon. Keep writing, Helen. You have a real gift.
Let’s face it, pun intended!! We are all created by God, and made in His image! True we are now older and selfies are too close for comfort, but with every wrinkle and dark spot we are still wonderfully made. I truly believe that our close up vision fails for a reason, so we can’t see all our imperfections! Isn’t what’s in our hearts more important anyway?! “I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.” Psalm 86:12. “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,” Isaiah 44:24. “the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works.” Psalm 145:5. “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10. Thanks Sheryl! ✝️
I love your candid and somewhat humorous comment, Kim!
LOL. I often thought the same thing about how our aging, close-up vision “helps” others see us in a more favorable light. Thank you for another great comment!