I Love My Chub Roll
Updated: Jun 28
Intrinsic : [in-trin-sik] adjective : belonging to a thing by its very nature: relating to the essential qualities or features of something or someone
Anatomy : belonging to or within a given part.
What is it about yourself that you like? Anything? Can you name one thing you like about yourself?
If this is hard for you, you may be duped into believing what culture says is beautiful. For me, as you can see by the title, I love my chub roll. The muffin top. That excess chub that I can not only pinch, but actually hold and wiggle. Ya'll know what i am referring to! This extra tire around my waist that has been a beautiful creation made of all those heartfelt family dinners, popcorn while I watch movies with my people, and mostly, those who know me well, Mr. Hoffman's heavenly chocolate chip cookies. It is all part of my intrinsic value by definition.
I'm the first to admit I have struggled with much of this topic, most of my life. Currently, I am in a place of acceptance. God made me the way He wanted for a specific purpose. My eye color? For His glory. So that, just maybe when a woman looks deep into them she may find something familiar to remember she is not alone. My hair color? For God’s glory. The grey that is coming through helps other women see that the natural process of aging is a privilege denied to many.
This my sister, I accept graciously. This is glory and mercy. God has given me life on this earth to linger long enough to have these glittering moonlights (my verbiage for the grey shining through.) I am so thankful for each and every one of those glistening hairs along with all I learned as each one brought their grace upon my crown.
Scrolling through social media I see women in the kingdom appearing as if they are rock stars, performing for an audience so that they look the way they want to be seen. A perfected facade pointing to an image of her children, marriage, husband, etc. appearing perfect based on what angle and lighting is captured in the photo.
Life is not a performance ladies. Most seasons feel like it is a get dirty, no make-up, not shaven, sleep deprived existence. The depths of the human Soul can't be found in what color you decide to dye your hair, nor the faded jeans with razor cut holes topped off with an off the shoulder shirt matching your nail polish.
Can you have faith and fashion? Of course! I am just asking you to check your motive friend. If your fashion glorifies God when you are deciding how you should look, then why are you still reading this? You get it. Our lives as believers are to be representatives of Love.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) : Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Our beauty on the outside tells our story. You know what I mean. When you meet a sister for the first time, and there is an undeniable connection. It feels like your Souls have known each other for a long time so, you see her and she sees you too. In that moment there is vulnerability, and grace with so much beauty to have the courage to peer into the depth to see each other's hearts. Then you notice the lines beside her eyes from the laughter Love has given her to enjoy on this side of eternity. Life's goodness that squinted up all that joy from uncontrollable belly laughs. Or you may see the wisdom that her face beholds revealing her pain or sorrow, that she now carries to help others through their hurt places. Women this is our beauty! It is in the quiet places of reflection. Beauty is in the scars and wounds from brokenness. It can be seen in that little crooked grin that shows up, when underneath lies a glimpse of a full on smile pushing through, that desperately wants to be seen.
God says that a gentle, quiet spirit is of most worth, rather than a woman's outer adornment (1 Peter 3:3-4.) So, why do we insist on changing how God made us instead of working on being gentle and kind as women? For each of us, this answer will vary. Honestly, I do see that the value we place on beauty is about our faith. We are to teach the younger women to love God and the beauty created in each of them. When we want to change our appearance to suit what we think beauty is, we may be telling the younger generation the opposite of honoring our own intrinsic value.
Intrinsic beauty is believing God and trusting you were made purposely the way you are.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.