>> Verses to Scan (NIV)
- Psalm 139:13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
>> Numbers to Call
Rapha, a Christian ministry that provides counseling and help for a wide range of problems and difficult situations (800) 383-HOPE.
Remuda Ranch, an organization that treats anorexia and bulimia (800) 445-1900.
>> Websites to check
These recommended websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content.
- http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/005/7.62.html The story of a girl who struggled with body image; includes resources and tips.
- http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/9w4/9w4024.html The story of supermodel Kim Alexis’s struggle with body image in the article “Beyond Beauty: There’s More to Life Than Looking Fit and Thin” by Ginger E. McFarland.
- http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/body_image/body_image_problem.html. In some extreme cases, obsessive body dissatisfaction is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Get the facts on this disorder here.
- http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/833/context/jounalistofthemonth The story of what one editor of a teen magazine is doing to promote a healthy body image.
- http://depts.washington.edu/thmedia/view.cgi?section=bodyimage&page=fastfact. Some quick stats on the media’s effect on body image.
- http://www.rapha.org/ A Christian ministry that provides counseling and help for a wide range of problems and difficult situations.
- http://www.remuda-ranch.com/ This is an organization that treats anorexia and bulimia.
- http://www.edreferral.com/ This site has lots of information on eating disorders and treatment programs.
- http://www.briomag.com/briomagazine/healthandbeauty/ A great place to find tips on being healthy and beautiful.
- http://www.fitdecisions.org F.I.T. is an organization committed to the spiritual, social, emotional, and physical fitness of teen girls. F.I.T. hosts one-day events for girls. Check out their fun and informative website, chock-full of stats and info for you.
>> Thoughts to Ponder
- Get together with some of your friends or your small group and talk about what it means to have a healthy body image. Be committed to praying for one another.
>> Books to Read
- Loving Your Body by Dr. Deborah Newman, find satisfaction with the way you look.
Find out how to buy this... - Why Beauty Matters by Karen Lee-Thorp and Cynthia Hicks, a look at true beauty.
Find out how to buy this... - Appearance Obsession: Learning to Love the Way You Look by Joni E. Johnston, learn to be confident about your appearance.
Find out how to buy this... - You Are Not What You Weigh by Lisa Bevere, help for thinking about weight.
Find out how to buy this... - The Woman Behind the Mirror: Finding Inward Satisfaction with Your Outward Appearance by Judith Couchman, learn to be satisfied with what you look like.
Find out how to buy this...