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The #1 Predatory Lie
by Abby Kelly The media's most predatory lie to young girls is not about their intrinsic worth or imperfect bodies, but the relentless message that the world revolves around the individual. That the future depends upon their personal fulfillment, their abstract happiness, their popularity, beauty, fitness or success. And does the lie change all that much as we age? Do we ever outgrow the tendency to be swayed by media's appeal to our momentary self? No, the message need only change pitch to reach the frequency preferred by mature fancies. Suddenly it becomes: The value of my life is dependent upon financial success, perky breasts, expensive shiny toys, worthy ministries, slender thighs, flat abs, perfect marriages. Whether condemning or condoning, challenging or consoling, the crux of media's message remains a constant concave assault on the God-image of man. Practical propaganda seeks to turn our eyes and attention from our God-reflection to our self perception. Consider the tagline of nearly ever advertisement: You deserve, You ought, You should, You need, You will, You'll earn, You'll save, You want, You'll be, You'll have, You are, You're not, You can be... Literally, almost every single banner ad, side-bar, full-page spread or 30-second sound bite appeals to numero uno. Even charities have learned it's most effective to appeal to an individual's pride concerning their "selflessness". To tie this into my central passion, the relief of women of all ages from the bondage of eating disorders, I believe our most effective strategy is not to focus on rebuilding her self-esteem, nor to focus on silencing the media's lie that she isn't "perfect" enough. Instead, freedom from eating disorders and all other means of bondage is found in understanding that we are not so important. That God is no respecter of persons. Ps. 103:15 "Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die." Doing so depressurizes the situation, the inflated fears of failure, the impending sense of doom if we do not achieve some nebulous goal or evasive success. 1 Peter 1:24-25 ""People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever." It is only here, in a humbled state, in a place where expectations fall away, that the broken find fulfillment in the truth that we were made for His gratification. It is only here, naked and weak, stripped of resources, that God's word, that which remains forever, sweeps over and deposits truth in cracks and crevices, shores up our hearts and reinforces our understanding of our intrinsic worth. "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jer. 31:3 "So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace." Romans 8:6 Learn more about me on my website: http://predatory-lies.com/about-me/ Please find my book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Predatory-Lies-Anorexia-Kelly-ebook/dp/B00HFGMBJA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389645006&sr=8-1&keywords=predatory+lies Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |