Not Cheerleader Material

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:20

“Traci, are you really trying out for cheerleading?” asked Jennifer.

“Yes!” said Traci. “I’m so excited!”

Jennifer laughed. “Cheerleaders are slim, Traci. Not chunky like you. Do your body a favor and sew your mouth shut!”

Traci was stunned. She rushed home, bypassing her afterschool snack and going straight to her bedroom. “I have tons of homework,” she told her mom before shutting the door.

Later, her brother knocked. “Dinner’s ready. And you owe me. Mom made me set the table even though it was your turn!”

“Sorry. Tell Mom I’m not hungry, okay? I…I ate a huge lunch.”

“Okay. More tacos for me.”

Traci groaned. Tacos! My favorite, she thought as her stomach growled.

After dinner, Traci’s mom came into her room. “Everything okay, honey? How were cheerleader tryouts?”

Traci burst into tears, so her mom hugged her while she cried. “Mom, tell me the truth,” said Traci. “Am I fat?”

“What? No! Who said you were fat?”

“Jennifer said I was too chunky to be a cheerleader.”

“Is that why you skipped dinner?” asked Mom. Traci nodded. “Honey, lots of girls your age mistakenly believe they need to lose weight. Your body’s still developing, so doing crazy things like skipping meals could mess with your health. Besides, weight isn’t just about food—it’s also about activity and height and bone structure. God created people with different body types, and they all point to His goodness. In Psalm 139:14, the psalmist says, ‘I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works.’”

“I don’t feel marvelous” said Traci. “I wish God hadn’t made me chunky.”

“You’re not chunky or fat—and it was very wrong for Jennifer to say that to you. You are marvelous, because you’re a daughter of the King! God made you, and Jesus died to save you. But since you’re concerned, let’s talk to Dr. Garcia. If she says you should slim down for your health, she can help you do it sensibly. But no more skipping meals, okay?” Traci nodded. “Good,” said Mom. “Now, come with me. I saved you a taco.” Teresa Ambord

How About You?

Do you ever feel self-conscious about your body or the way you look? Everyone does at some point. When that happens to you, remember that other people’s opinions are nothing compared to God’s view of you.* He created you, and Jesus died and rose again so you could be His beloved child. He thinks you’re marvelous!

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God made you wonderful