Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
You’re Not the Only One to Struggle with This
Countless women and young women struggle with body image. Unfortunatley, it’s not always just because we saw a picture of a woman in an advertisement or on Instagram. Even our coaches can push us to lose weight to reach the “ideal” competition weight – or at least what they think the ideal is.
The Struggle Won’t Just Suddenly Go Away; You’ll Have to Be Proactive
Athletes are some of the hardest-working people by nature, and when a coach, teammates, or even parents push us toward an “ideal” weight or body shape, it can seem impossible to be satisfied with our physicality. We can’t let these issues sit. If we want to be competitive and be physically and mentally healthy, we’ve got to be proactive to tell the wrong voices in our lives “no” when it comes to this issue.
Stop Listening to the Wrong Voices and Empowering the Wrong Person
If we want to stop listening to the wrong voices, we have to stop empowering the wrong people. Coaches, teammates, and parents are important and, in theory, should have our best in mind. But even people who care for us and want us to succeed can push too hard or even push us in the wrong direction altogether because what they want for us isn’t necessarily what we need.
We must learn our limits and what is healthy for us. An “ideal” weight for one woman is profoundly unhealthy for another. This is something we should figure out with our doctors rather than letting the passing comments of people around us dictate our lives.
Most importantly for Christian girls and women is that our identity is not found in our physical appearance, our athletic performance, or anything else of this world. Our true identity comes from being united with Jesus Christ. This truth can help set us free from the unhealthy expectations of ourselves and others.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How have you struggled with your body image? How have you dealt with those struggles up to now?
- Do you feel alone in your struggle or do you know of others who struggle as well? How do you see others coping with their insecurities?
- Have you ever felt pushed in the wrong direction or toward the wrong perspective by someone who was well-meaning? Explain.
- What are some unique challenges female athletes face vs. women in general?
- Read Ephesians 2:10. What does it mean to you that you are God’s masterpiece? What does it mean that he’s created you for a specific purpose? How does this change your view of yourself?
- How can women who struggle with body image and self-confidence support one another?
- How can you be proactive in overcoming body image struggles?
- Read Colossians 3:1-3. How can you stop empowering the “wrong” voices in your life and instead be empowered by your identity in Jesus Christ?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
