TWO: A Book and its cover size

It is not okay that we judge the contribution of our politicians by their haircuts or the size of their breasts, or to infer that the determination or the success of an Olympian is down to her not being a looker. We need to start judging people by what they do, not what they look like.

                 Meaghan Ramsey on TED Talks http://www.ted.com/talks/meaghan_ramsey_why_thinking_you_re_ugly_is_bad_for_you/transcript?language=en

I spend too much energy looking at other people’s bodies and comparing in the most negative ways.  “Oh good. She’s bigger than me.” Or “That guy’s gut is bigger than mind and no one cares because he’s a guy.”  Or even worse, “She’s too big to wear that. What is she thinking”.  I swear, if people could hear what goes on in my head, I would be shunned for eternity. 

I profess to believe that ‘Different is Just… Different” (shameless plug for my children’s book of that title---  www.ktompkins.com/different ) but my thoughts do not follow my own philosophy.  If I really believe that I was ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14) then why do I judge so harshly and so readily?  I have doubted someone’s ability because of their physical appearance.  I have dismissed someone’s intellectual capacity because of the size of their belt.  I have not taken the time to discover who the person is before judging the book by its cover.   And I have dismissed the opinion of others because I cannot accept they are telling a truth.

When someone tells me I look [good, fabulous, lovely, whatever] I reply, “You are too kind” with a bright smile.  What I’m thinking is “you are just being nice and making that up”.  Why do I believe that my friends lie to me out of pity?  They have no reason to.  Friendships are based on trust and I betray that trust when I deny their truth.  I must begin to believe that my appearance is not the only aspect of me.  That I am “beautifully and wonderfully made”.

'Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top
                Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass Lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PCkvCPvDXk

Do you judge yourself more harshly than you should?  Are you quick to judge others?  Do you believe people when they compliment you?