Who Will You Love First?

The comedian, Ricky Smiley, once told a joke about being UGLY. He said that that UGLY stood for you gotta love yourself. Being that today is my birthday, I am more convinced that you really do have to love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, you will end up treating everyone ugly, looking ugly, talking ugly…all because you have not chosen to be content with you and love yourself. Loving yourself is the core of self esteem. Loving yourself is the fuel that you need to love others. How many people in this world live off of their own insecurities and odd feelings about the inner and outer person called “me?” Don’t you know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? God designed you to be YOU and no one else!

THE INSIDE ME

As I get older, I am growing to love the inside me more and more. There was a time in my life when I harbored all of the gifts, talents, thoughts, solutions and resolutions on the inside. I won’t say that I had a bad case of low self esteem, but I didn’t take all of the liberties afforded me to exhibit all that I could as a person. Today, I realize that I am the only person who suffered from those choices. Now, I love the inside me. The inside me is smart, near brilliant, witty, compassionate, loving and full of “I can do all things through Christ.” Oh no, the inside me is not perfect, but I have surrounded myself with quality convictions that keep me in check.

THE OUTSIDE ME

I love the outside me. I love the outside me so much that I am doing my best to take care of it. I exercise when possible and try to make better dietary decisions. It’s not about how you look physically if the outside me is suffering with hidden cares that you can control. Yes, I love the outside me. I do my best to stay groomed. I have some things to work on, but the outside me is okay.

As I celebrate my birthday, I challenge you to check the inside me and the outside me that lies in you. Make sure you love both parts of yourself. Make sure you do all you can for the benefit of the inside and outside you. Your body, heart and soul will thank you for it later. Introduce the inside me to the outside me and let them become acquainted. They do work hand in hand. Your inner thoughts about yourself affect the outer you.

So many people have low self esteem. Sometimes, they are in denial over how they really feel about themselves and it shows up in personality conflicts, poor spending habits and endless emotional journeys. Love God. Love yourself. Love others as He has commanded. You’re beautiful on the inside and the out. When you love yourself, others will see it and respect you for it. It’s a simple thought, but someone needs to hear it. There is great value in you my sister and my brother.

Enjoy these tunes:

Beautiful, Amber Riley, Glee Cast (Please watch the entire clip!)

Look at Me, Jenifer Lewis, Jackie Washington (For fun...hee hee), Jackie's Back

The Greatest Love of All, Whitney Houston