In the world of selfies and followers, showcasing how you truly look without make-up and added highlights through editing apps can be a scary and intimidating task. I even have doubts when I post a picture on Instagram or Snapchat. We have been discrepantly taught how to correctly take a selfie or how to edit out certain features of our bodies; for example we all know that its an absolute no to place your camera below your chin. If you do then you are lucky to not face the horror of a double chin. The world has created a standard to what everyone should look like and harasses anyone who doesn't. This places unmounted pressure for teens and adults making them become extremely focused on their outer beauty instead of what really matters like their character or personality.

I have felt this pressure firsthand for many years, I've had trouble accepting myself for how I look. Leaving me to have a low self-esteem and confidence. I would continuously look in the mirror dissecting every imperfection I saw and question why I looked a certain way. I mean every girl who goes through puberty judges others whether that is in reality or in the entertainment business wondering why they can't achieve that level of beauty or status amongst society. I began to label myself as the shy girl who was on the curvy side of the spectrum who was extremely focused on how many imperfections I had. I was becoming more upset. I would sometimes even question God why he made me the way he did and it wasn't until I finished my first year of college that I had an epiphany, I came to the conclusion that it is not society duty to tell me if I am beautiful or not for I am created in the image of the Heavenly Father. He continuously reminds us, Christians, throughout the Bible of this phenomenon in various places like in Psalm 139:14 that we are all "fearfully and wonderfully" made in his likeness; for me it is a marvelous thing to think that we are created in such a unique way that is utterly beautiful in the eyes of the Beholder. I can go confidently each day remembering that there is a Father who created me with tender care for a reason and why should you or I doubt him? There is a reason for all the "imperfections" that we face, mild or severe they make us extremely unique and beautiful.

Here is a question I want you to ask yourself, why would you want to be ordinary instead of unique? Think about that. We focus so much on being normal or being like everyone else because it's scary being the uncommon one yet being the same is entirely overrated and boring. We should focus on the individuality of people, embracing their unique and sometimes quirky traits for something that is marvelous. I mean Jesus choices to use the lives of those who society deemed un-usable in the most miraculous way that it seems impossible, that is entirely unique and special. If these people can achieve this then so can we, don't let the pressure's of society make you believe the lies that they fed you and make you believe you have no worth. You are priceless to those who cherish you, and it is time for you to cherish yourself as God does for you.