That's the Size of It!

1 Samuel 16:7 ESV 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, 

because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward 

appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

This morning while watching a morning news show, and while browsing social media comments, the daily controversy discussion was in reference to a plus size model wearing a nice bathing suit. The picture was in an advertising commercial for the Gillette company. This controversy was between people saying they were thankful for models that were not ashamed of their size, while others stated that this model was promoting unhealthy body habits.

In today’s society and lexicon, negative commenting on somebody’s body image is called “Body Shaming”. The Dictionary states that “Body Shaming” is the action or practice of humiliating someone by making mocking or critical comments about their body shape or size.

I must be the first to admit that I have been body shamed while working in the corporate world. When it was time to take promotional photos, the thin with good looks were always chosen. When it came time to take promotional photos for a uniform photo, I as the larger framed person was chosen to wear a bulky winter coat and stocking cap.

Additionally, as the father of a special needs child I have witnessed what society considers “normal”, and I have witnessed the love that special needs babies get, and how it disappears when they enter teenage and adult years.

When we address the scripture, we see Samuel being told that God looks at the heart of his people, the content of their character, and never their outward appearance. God communicated that only humanity looks at the outsides of humanity, and often judges others by appearance.

In this commercial we see a full-sized model, doing physical outside activities at the beach which require a bathing suit. Should we hide her in a winter jacket like I was? Should we hide all plus size people and treat them in society as they don’t exist? The Bible is clear on this matter, that it is what is inside that counts in the eyes of God, and it should be the same for us, especially those of us that call ourselves His followers.

In The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King’s August 28, 1963 speech he stated the following: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Let us be the one who portray this dream and go in the knowledge that no matter your appearance you are of value, loved by God, and loved by people.

Let us be the people that understand that.

This is the day that the Lord has made.

Pastor Tim. ( A larger guy, known at times to wear a bathing suit).