Teen Body-Shamed in Church Bathroom When Woman Tells Her She's 'Too Fat' for Shorts
July 15, 2019

19-year-old Jenna Munger didn't need to hear she was 'too fat' for shorts. She especially didn't need to hear it at church. But sadly, that's exactly what happened. And the North Carolina teen's story of body-shaming is an important reminder of why we should leave the judgment to God.
God gifted Jenna Munger with a beautiful singing voice. And Jenna uses that gift to serve the Lord in the Worship Band.
RELATED: Mom Called ‘Smelly Fatty’ On Airplane Thanks Stranger Who Came To Her Rescue
One Sunday, when Jenna showed up to sing at church, she was wearing shorts. When praise and worship time was over, Jenna left the stage and headed for the bathroom. She brought her cell phone along, as she had a loved one in the hospital with a brain aneurysm and wanted to check for any updates.
But a woman from the congregation decided to follow the teen to the bathroom. And her reasons for doing so have left many fuming.
Teen Is Told By Church Member She's 'Too Fat' For Shorts
The woman, a stranger to 19-year-old Jenna Munger, proceeded to tell the teen she was 'too fat' for shorts.
Here is the outfit I was wearing that she attacked me... also please read my shirt because what she did was not agapé love pic.twitter.com/6d5sNeMQrI
— Jenna 🦊 (@roo_jenna) June 30, 2019
Because Jenna already had her cell phone handy, she started filming the unbelievable body-shaming.
You can hear the teen sobbing as she responds to the woman's accusations that she's 'too fat' for shorts. The conversation gets heated very quickly.
The woman's unexpected criticism upset Jenna greatly. For starters, church is probably the last place Jenna expected to encounter this kind of body-shaming. It's a place meant to be free from shame and judgment.
Additionally, Jenna has been battling her weight and depression for much of her life.
"I have always struggled with my weight for the entire time I've been alive," Jenna explained.
After heading to college, Jenna's struggles only got worse. She put on more weight and eventually found out she suffers from Hypothyroidism.
Jenna had been working hard to get things under control and had recently lost 30 pounds thanks to healthy eating. All of this only made the woman's words that Jenna was 'too fat' for shorts even more hurtful. The attack really hit a nerve.
WATCH: Stranger Shames Teen In Shorts
Heartbreaking Story Of Body-Shaming Goes Viral
Jenna wasn't the only one bothered by the woman's actions. She took the video to her pastor, Kevin Baker, who was deeply "shocked and saddened" by the "great harm" done to a "faithful and very gifted young lady."
"The church is supposed to be a place of safety, love and acceptance," he said.
RELATED: Pastor Uses Glass Of Water To Teach Complaining Woman A Lesson
The topic of what to wear to church can certainly be a touchy subject. And undoubtedly, some of you reading this story may feel shorts aren't appropriate. (Read 7 Important Reminders about Modesty the Church Needs to Hear for some great insight on the issue).
But the woman's issue with Jenna wasn't about "proper" church attire (and her approach would still be inappropriate even if modesty had been her primary concern). Rather, it revolved around the fact that she felt Jenna was 'too fat' for shorts.
So by sharing her story, Jenna Munger is trying to tackle body-shaming head-on.
The lead pastor sent this out to people ❤️(since some of you found the church, also please don’t be a bully back nothing will be solved from that... an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind) pic.twitter.com/r875AP33ak
— Jenna 🦊 (@roo_jenna) July 2, 2019
Overcoming Adversity To Inspire Others
Jenna wanted to speak out about her encounter as a reminder of just how damaging shaming a person can be.
Had this situation happened earlier in Jenna's battle with depression, it could have done even greater harm and even been life-threatening. But Jenna has been doing the hard work to learn to love and see herself as Christ does.
"Always remember that you are loved," she said.
Jenna's story is an important reminder to be careful with our words and actions. We should weigh them against God's word to see if they are showing His love.
You never know what someone else is going through. And just as a simple act of kindness can have a huge impact, so can an ill-spirited word. We should be trying to lift each other up, not tear one another down.
Lots of people have offered up words of encouragement and support for the teen. Not only did the church's leadership seek to uplift Jenna, so did thousands of people who heard her story online.
"You look beautiful!! And thank you for standing up for yourself -- when you did, you did it for all of us," one person wrote.
We all make mistakes. The woman has since apologized to Jenna for telling her she's 'too fat' for shorts. And we pray God's loving Spirit will be at work to bring about forgiveness and healing all around.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 17 True Inspirational Stories of Real-Life Overcomers
We live in a broken world, which is why it's so important we keep our identity rooted in Christ. All that matters is how He sees us. And His love for us is bigger than anything in this world!
h/t: Inside Edition
Featured Image: Twitter/Jenna Munger
Today's Devotional
A Prayer to Discover Wonder in Your Routines - Your Daily Prayer - September 19
God doesn’t get tired of your routines; he meets you right in the middle of them.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer to Discover Wonder in Your Routines - Your Daily Prayer - September 19
God doesn’t get tired of your routines; he meets you right in the middle of them.
Past Stories
- Hero Goose Warns Family of Fire and Helps Save Animals
- Freshman Sitting Alone at Lunch Finds Friends Who Promise, ‘We’ve Got His Back’
- Generous Woman Gives Back to Teachers With $1 Million in Surprise Bonuses
- 8 Christian Songs for Hope after Job Loss or Career Uncertainty
- Father of 4 Survives Life-Threatening Accident After Tree Branch Nearly Reaches His Brain
- Grandma’s Last Day of Chemo Becomes Even Sweeter with Military Granddaughter’s Surprise
- A Chance Meeting at Buc-ee’s Leads to Love—and a Very Special Wedding Guest
- 9 Students Make It Home Safe After Being Lost on Kentucky Hiking Trail
- Why Are We Canceling People for Thanking God?
- A Dad’s 5K Finish Becomes a Beautiful Moment of Love, Strength and Hope
- 13-Year-Old’s Summer Project Becomes Life-Changing Gift for Toddler
- Praying for a Prodigal Child: Songs of Hope for Parents
- Nighttime Worship: Christian Music for Rest and Peace before Sleep
- Friends Help Fill the Empty Space Left After Girl Loses Her Older Brother
- 8 Christian Songs for New Beginnings, Recovery, and Fresh Starts
- When Someone Told Me They Don't Believe in Prayer
- Twins Mark Their 100th Birthday and Prove Life’s Simple Joys Can Go a Long Way
- A Long-Lost Postcard From a Man's Late Parents Shows Up After 26 Years, 'A Postcard From Heaven'
- Woman’s Stolen Farm Stand Leads to an Unexpected Act of Kindness
- Toddler Receives Life-Saving Kidney From Cousin in Powerful Story of Love and Loss
- When I Almost Forgot What God Had Already Done
- Woman Jumps Into Action to Save 3 Girls From Drowning in Lake Washington
- 3-Year-Old Boy Gets Sweet Birthday Surprise Thanks to Caring California Community
- Garbage Truck Driver Finds Dog in His Truck and Gives Him a Second Chance
- Lost Wallet Filled With Cash Finds Its Way Home Thanks to Honest Stranger
- Christian Music Playlist for Deep Focus While Working or Studying
- Abandoned at a Train Station as a Baby, Woman Finally Finds Family at 76
- 97-Year-Old Woman Proves ‘Can’t’ Isn’t in Her Vocabulary With Record-Breaking Wing Walk
- A Caregiver’s Worship Playlist for Strength, Rest, and Hope
- In the Shadow of 9/11, Two Strangers Found Comfort, Healing, and Love
- Beyond "Give Thanks": A Thanksgiving Worship Playlist
- Bride’s Hospital Wedding Becomes a Moment of Love Before Brain Surgery
- Long-Lost Son Meets Father and Dozens of Relatives in Emotional Family Reunion
- What God Taught Me From Being In My First Movie
- Eight Years After a Special Delivery, Nurse and Child Share Beautiful Reunion
- First Responder Couple Finds Hope After Wife Donates Kidney to Save Her Husband
- Bride’s Love Story Began With the Organ Donor Who Saved Her Life
- Neighbors Create Special Halloween Celebration for Boy With Autism’s Birthday
- A Decade After Wedding Ring Vanished in Lake, Young Niece Spots It Shimmering
- Montana Teen Says God Put Him in the Right Place to Save Drowning Man With His Lasso
- City Employee Spots Abandoned Baby in the Street and Rushes to Save Their Life
- Couple’s Family Grows to 37 Kids in a Story Full of Love, Faith and Purpose
- 160-Year-Old Home Inspires New Owner to Trace Generations of Family Stories
- Children Raise Money One Cup at a Time to Buy Bikes for Their New Friends
- Waiting Well: A Christian Music Playlist for Trusting God’s Timing
- A Simple Train Ride Leads to a Life-Changing Act of Kindness Between Strangers
- 9 Worship Songs for Anxiety When Your Thoughts Won’t Slow Down
- Families 3,000 Miles Apart Learn Their Adopted Children Are Identical Twins
- 64-Year-Old Navy Veteran Receives $174K in Support, 'God Works in Mysterious Ways'
- More Than 200 Campers Saved After Army Black Hawks Airlift Them From Missouri Floods
Top Music Videos

We The Kingdom We The Kingdom Inspire and Uplift with ‘Don’t Let The Darkness’

Anne Wilson Anne Wilson and Cole Swindell 'Still Do' Lyric Video

Pat Barrett Pat Barrett 'Wonderful Counselor' Lyric Video

Passion Music Passion Powerful 'Just That Good' Live Performance

Oak Ridge Boys 'Jesus Is Coming Soon' The Oak Ridge Boys
Blog
At GodTube, you’ll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, hilarious videos from Christian comedians, user-uploaded videos, and clean viral videos to brighten your day.









