There is something about giving birth to daughters that brings one completely face to face with her own insecurities.
Not for comparison’s sake, but for the sake of the desperate hope that they will grow strong and know JUST how beautiful they really are.
Honest Confession. I’ve struggled on and off with self-less-than-love for most of my adult life. And definitely my young adult life. Ha–but if that 16 year old could see me now she would really appreciate those hips then. Actually, if she could see how full my heart is, she wouldn’t notice the fullness of my hips that grew a bit as our family did.
But now, I’m mama to two girls. And in less time than it took for the oldest to go from mewling newborn to Five-year-old sweet and sassy pants… I’m aware of things in my heart I don’t want them to see.
The struggle to see myself as my Creator has always seen me.
The desire to rest in the knowledge that I am loved with an everlasting love. Never giving up, never stopping, never dependent on ANYTHING.
The fight. The fight against the lies that condemn and point nagging fingers at all I’m not… or where I am a bit, too much.
What I want for them… FREEDOM.
Freedom from the years of teenage self-loathing. Escape from years of trying hard to blend in.
To just breathe. And be all that He has made them to be. And to look outside of the “maybe-not-enough” and deep into the eyes of someone else who needs a friend.
I cannot lead it to them if I am not living it today.
I would say again, as I have said before– deep into those pairs of eyes, two emerald green and two Carolina blue.
You are beautiful.
You are perfectly and wonderfully made.
And you were artfully designed and planned by a Creative God who makes no errors.
When He carved your inward parts deep into my own inward parts– we were both blessed with love and life and a reason to SING.
And there is NOTHING to change about either one of us.
So don’t try. Just be. Just be your beautiful self.
Linking up with my five-minute friday friends! 
Oh, I loved this! Thank you for reminding me that I to have two daughters watching me, and I want them to know that they are beautiful, and wonderfully made by their Creator. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, Jolene! you too!
There is nothing to change about your beautiful self. We all need to say this to ourselves every. single. day. I might just need to type it up and hang it right on my bathroom mirror. Right next to my Preapproved printout! 🙂 Great post, Cynthia!
This touched me. Beautifully written by a beautiful woman. I love this thought, “To just breathe. And be all that He has made them to be. And to look outside of the “maybe-not-enough” and deep into the eyes of someone else who needs a friend.” Happy Friday!
Absolutely beautiful. Someday your children will know this deep in their hearts, because you have not only told them, but shown them this truth. Wonderful words today!
that is my prayer, Jen! Thanks for visiting!
Oh, Cynthia, I mirror your hearts cry here. I want to be the same example for my daughter and then I see myself making much about my hair or makeup or clothes and realize I’m teaching her that what is important is not on the inside. I needed this reminder and I appreciate your words so much. Just be your beautiful self. Yes! Hugs today…Meredith
Thank you dear friend. It is a constant struggle, but one worth fighting!!! Have a great weekend!
Love this….I’ve had similar thoughts as I’m getting ready to meet our sweet Magnolia. Glad to know I’m not alone in this struggle….but thankful for the reminder this am that we are each perfectly created!
Yes! Your sweet Magnolia has a beautiful, SPECIAL Mama! Hope I get to meet her one day!
A great reminder. I needed this! Even though I don’t have a daughters eyes on me, often the same feelings are there. Stuckey you nailed it!
Ah yes – there is something so tricky and yet freeing in how He leads us to teach them truth – as He is pouring it right on in to us too! “I cannot lead it to them if I am not living it today.” Amen! There is so much freedom in finally coming to terms with how much He loves us… not just them, our Littles… but us, too! All of us!
Beautiful thoughts, Cynthia. Helping our children to see themselves free of expectation is so hard. Even with my two boys, I keep praying they will see their identities in Jesus rather than how others try to identify them. Thanks for sharing a bit of your mama’s heart today!
Insecurity and comparing ourselves to others can be so destructive can’t it? If only we could accept ourselves for the beautiful women God created us to be, without struggle. Thanks for sharing your heart on this issue…I have a wonderful feeling your two little ones will have a great role model in you!
Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing these beautiful thoughts! I have a 12 year old daughter, and I thank you for reminding me that I cannot lead her to place her identity in Jesus if I’m not living it out myself. Good words!!
Thank you for stopping by, Renee! And for your kind words. Our worth in Jesus is such a needed reminder for all us mamas!