Stretch Marks

I was sitting on the beach last month in Florida and I was looking at my stretch marks.  After 4 kids and several large weight fluctuations over the years, needless to say, I have more than I care to count.  I was once again discontent with how I look and the visible scarring I wanted to get rid of.  I know I am not alone – we have all been there!  Can I get an Amen?!

Looking great is a multibillion-dollar industry.  To try to lessen the visibility of our stretch marks, we use creams, oils, body wraps, laser treatments and injections.  Society tells us that in order to be beautiful, we need to get rid of, or minimize our imperfections.  This is a lie that so many of us (including me) swallow hook, line and sinker. 

The longer I looked at my stretch marks, the more I started to realize how each and every one of these “ugly” marks signify a period of growth.  Maybe not always good growth, but growth, nonetheless.  Most scars come from something that is painful in our lives.  We may have gone through a trial or hardship that has left a deep scar on our hearts.  It is through those difficulties that God grows and stretches us so we can become more like Him.  These permanent stretch marks are a reminder of how good God is and how He uses our pain to strengthen and teach us.  The periods of growth and stretching in our Christian life aren’t something that we need to hide or make less visible.  They are important life lessons that we can use to teach or encourage others.  

I am grateful for my stretch marks!  What a lovely reminder of where I have been and where God has brought me! My physical stretch marks remind me of the beautiful gift of life. Through the growing, stretching and physical pain of pregnancy, I was blessed with four of the most amazing children ever!  My stretch marks that have come from my mistakes and life-lessons, are there to remind me of the faithfulness of God and how he never wastes a hurt but can turn it into something magnificent!  Each stretch mark is unique and beautiful and represents the beautiful tapestry of my journey to become more like Jesus.   

Girlfriends!  Don’t ever let someone dictate to you what beauty demands.  Instead, let’s unmask the lies of what we perceive and realize our value comes from God alone!  Go on and wear your stretch marks proudly! You are beautiful inside and out – SCARS AND ALL!