Episode Summary:  

Did you know according to a 2022 Good Housekeeping study, 87% of respondents have been on a diet with the purpose, at least in part, to change their weight or shape. Meanwhile, only 6% of respondents strongly agreed that they feel generally happy with their bodies, and a sobering 17% said they'd be willing to shave a year or more off of their lives in exchange for their ideal body.

Many women know that God created their bodies and called them “good” but have a hard time truly believing it. Bombarded by images of the “ideal” body, diet culture, and anti-aging marketing, many find themselves on a never-ending quest to change their bodies. More than ever, we are bombarded with intense pressure to meet culture's elusive standards of beauty. And while we know theoretically that God loves and accepts you for what's on the inside, is that really enough to free a gal from the nonstop stress of body improvement?

It's time to stop comparing, start living, and find the rest that comes when you entrust your self-image to the Savior. Today we’re going to talk about: Behind the Reflection: Unmasking the Causes of Body Image Issues.

Quotables from the episode:

• Diets have a 95% failure rate.
• Too often we make our bodies an idol and then are left unsatisfied and frustrated.
• Joy, peace, and worth come from Jesus, not our body.=
• Too often, Christian women believe we aren’t good enough, and that we are letting God down.
• Culture now talks about “my truth” but too often that doesn’t agree with God’s truth.
• In our world’s economy, beauty is a commodity, but the true question is what are we making our heavenly treasure?
• When we compare ourselves to others, the underlying message is that “God has robbed you” of something good.
• Our fascination and concern with aging often comes from the fear of becoming irrelevant, unloved, and no longer necessary.

Scripture References:

• 1 Timothy 4:4 “For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
• Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Recommended Resources: 

• The 40-Day Body Image Workbook: Hope for Christian Women Who've Tried Everything (A Journey from Insecurity to Positive Body Image and Self-Worth) by Heather Creekmore
• The Burden of Better: How a Comparison Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest by Heather Creekmore
• Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image by Heather Creekmore
• Aging Gratefully: A 30-Day Devotional for Women by Heather Creekmore 
• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms  
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.)
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win

Social Media Links for Guest and Host:

Connect with Heather Creekmore:

Website / Facebook / Instagram/ YouTube

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Heather Creekmore writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week, inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. The host of the popular podcast, Compared to Who?, she has been featured on dozens of other shows and podcasts as well as on Fox News and HuffPost. She was a contestant on the hit Netflix bake fails show Nailed It. Heather and her marine-fighter-pilot turned pastor-husband, Eric, have four children and live in Austin, Texas.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

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