Quote:
Originally Posted by hillarym
I've been lurking around the boards for ages, but your post really encouraged me to finally join up and post something. I also try (key word) to hold true to my faith and live in a way that will bring me closer to God. When I was 20 I had liposuction on my arms because I really hated my "bat wings" and there was nothing I could ever do to get rid of them (my plastic surgeon, who was also a family friend and wouldn't have just used a line to get another client, agreed). So, I didn't feel bad about it going in. However, after I had the surgery I started to feel very guilty. I remember crying and thinking "how could I have been so selfish?" "how could I have been so vain that I was willing to risk my life- even though the risk was very small?" I remember apologizing to God for caring so much about worldly things that we're not supposed to worry about.
BUT, that passed. Now I'm very happy that I had the surgery. I love my arms. I love feeling comfortable in tank tops and short sleeve shirts. I'm not uncomfortable about waving goodbye to people. And, ultimately, it's led me to think less about my body (that part, anyway). I know that God doesn't care what my arms look like. I know that none of my friends or family care about my arms. I know what's important in life. I separate the part of me that cares about the little vanities of the earth from the part of me that cares about the things that really matter. Both parts exist because we were made that way. The part that cares about the outside is only problematic if it takes control of the part that knows what's important. That's just me, though. That view works for me in my life. But, it may not work for you. If you really feel bad about wanting surgery it may not be right for you. I know this is a long answer that isn't really an answer at all- after all, it's a decision only you can make. But, I thought my experience might be helpful.
Thank you for sharing, and I'm so glad you decided to join!
I know that I love God, and nothing is going to change that. I know what's important to me as well.
I feel like God did make my body, but God didn't make me obese. Although I don't feel very attractive, I DO know that God will love me no matter what. I love who I am on the inside, I think I'm a good person, I just don't love the way I look on the outside. Not because I don't love how God made my body, because I don't love what I did to the body God made for me.
Does that make sense or am I just spoutin steam, here? lol