Episode 2: How can I love myself when I don’t like my body?

EPISODE SUMMARY

Co-hosts Kara-Kae James and Elizabeth Oates dive into the topic of body image and answer the question, “How can I love myself when I don’t like my body?” They discuss the lies we believe from the enemy and the world, and they offer a Scriptural view on the true purpose of our bodies. Then, they offer listeners practical ways to love themselves, even if they don’t like their body.

THE LITTLE THINGS

We like to start each episode by talking about “the little things” in life that made a big impact that week.

Kara-Kae’s kids have started riding the bus - game changer!!! We also talked about “Uber for kids” services like Hop Skip Drive and others.

Elizabeth talked about taking her family to her town’s annual fair. You either love the fair, or you hate it. Team Oates loves the fair!

THE CONVERSATION

Today we talked about body image and answered the question, “How can I love myself when I don’t like my body?” Both Kara-Kae and Elizabeth shared their feelings about their own bodies at this particular season in life.

We talked about the lies we tell ourselves:

  • I’m not good enough.

  • I don’t fit the persona people have of me

  • I have not arrived or achieved whatever it is I should achieve.

  • I am incapable.


Then we looked at our bodies from a Biblical perspective:

  • God created our bodies, so they are good.

  • God likes variety, so He created lots of sizes, shapes, colors, etc.

  • Our body is a dwelling place for God. (1 Cor 6:19)

  • Our bodies belong to God and we are to offer them as a living sacrifice to Him.

  • If we are married, then our body belongs to our spouse (Eph 5:28)

How can we practically love ourselves even if we don’t like our bodies?

  • Write down Scripture and place it somewhere where you will see it.

  • Stop the negative talk and self-loathing by viewing our bodies from God’s perspective.

  • Limit toxic people or social media that triggers negative, even destructive, thoughts.

  • Find a reason to move our bodies aside from just losing weight.

  • Focus on our positive attributes that have nothing to do with our bodies.


We also answered a few listener questions:

  • How do you love people with different body types than you when they talk bad about themselves?

    • Kara-Kae encouraged listeners to be the positive voice in their life; encourage her in areas that don’t have to do with her appearance.

  • How can we love our changing body as we age?

    • Remind yourself of God’s Truth.

    • Remind yourself of all the good things your body can do.

    • Give yourself grace.

    • Understand some areas are out of your control.

    • Take good care of yourself physically (use the right skin care products, hair products, lotions, etc.)

    • Find the balance between being obsessed and letting yourself go.

RESOURCES TO REFRAME OUR THINKING

Kara-Kae recommended the book An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor.

Elizabeth recommended every woman follow Nicki Wilson on her IG account. Nicki promotes an anti-diet, food-freedom, body-positive message . . . and she’s dang funny!

CONNECT WITH US!


YOU CAN FIND KARA-KAE ON:


YOU CAN FIND ELIZABETH ON:

Join us next week for Episode 3 when we talk about cultural appropriation and answer the question: “Why can’t I do that?”

And don’t forget . . . keep asking questions, for a friend!

- Kara-Kae and Elizabeth

Kara-Kae JamesComment