Skin Deep ; Acne, Stretch Marks, Scars

Ooh, this is a topic where it makes a lot of people feel uncomfortable, more so than weight (in my opinion). Everyone has had this issue at least once in their life, or are still going through this issue currently. Let’s dig in shall we?

Let’s be real, we all have acne at one point of our lives, we have stretch marks from growing up and we have scars from falling off our bikes. So why are we so insecure about it?

Our bodies have been through everything with us, it has shielded us from major accidents, it has protected our organs, so why do we nitpick everything minor about it? Does the pimple on the cheek matter in a year time? Does your stretch mark matter when you are 50 and successful?

I do get acne, growing up I suffered from bad acne, puberty gave me TONS of pimples, so I truly understand how you feel if you’ve struggled from this. A lot of people’s insecurity stems from their appearance, and acne, pimple’s, breakouts are the things that people notice first, so it’s completely understandable why we feel insecure about it. We are constantly chasing the perfect life, the perfect looks, and often neglect our spiritual and mental health.

Stretch marks and scars are part and parcels of life, we can’t escape it, instead we should embrace it. Scars remind us of the lessons we’ve learnt and stretch marks remind us that our body is amazing and it has been through more than anyone knows.

I’m not writing this to tell you what to do with your acne, stretch marks or scars, but I’m writing this to let you see that those things that hurt your self esteem are insignificant. Learn to love yourself for who you are and how God created you. It’s easier said than done, but we criticise ourselves more than anyone else would criticise us. If someone bullies you over your looks, it’s probably a reflection of what they’re insecure about, and if someone doesn’t want to be with you over acne (for example), then you shouldn’t be with that person to begin with.

Just remember that we are here because God put us here for a reason, rather than focussing all our energy feeling insecure about our skin, we need to remember that we go through things for a reason. Whatever that reason might be, we may not ever find out, but just try to think of it this way, someone may be watching you and admiring how you are handling things. Just because you feel insecure about things, doesn’t mean there won’t be someone out there admiring your courage.

The LORD told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or his height, for I’ve rejected him. Truly, God does not see what man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Our skin goes through so much more than we can comprehend, stop putting additional pressure on it on ensuring it’s perfect. Everyone is busy with their own insecurities to notice yours, what you may feel insecure about, someone may love it. However it may be, God doesn’t see the external, He only sees our heart. Focus on finding ourselves with God rather than on the external, if we are pure from the inside it will translate outwards.

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV

Written by ; Sarah Fern