When I stepped on the scale this
morning my current weight disappointed me. How could this be? I’ve been working
out, drinking almost a gallon of water a day, cutting carbs, drinking green
smoothies and denying myself sweets… on most days. Once I mellowed, I looked in
the mirror and thought I looked great, regardless of what the scale said. In
fact, some loved ones had mentioned to me that they thought I looked slimmer
than usual and encouraged me to eat
more carbs. But the scale and the fact that the warmer weather was now among us
only meant one thing to me: bikini season. Ah, yes. Bikini season. It’s the
time of year when gyms fill up before summer and dieting and body cleanses
begin. Is all that hard work and sacrifice just to look great in a bikini on
the beach or for any other kinds of water related gatherings and activities
worth it? I guess. Ugh. I thought. The summer is close. I need to tone up more.
Cut sweets out all together for awhile. Hit the gym harder. And be mindful not
to post beach pics on social media. I know how some people get. Those “some
people” I’m talking about? The judgmental types. The super conservative types
that criticize those of us who wear bikinis. How do I know this? I’ve heard
things. I was once called a sinner for
wearing one. Odd right? I thought so too. I don’t believe my salvation or
purity is at stake or that I’m unwise to wear one. I also don’t believe I’m
tempting men (Both Christian and non-Christian) to behave improperly because I
wear one. Why are women held responsible for guys who choose not to control their own
thoughts or actions? Sounds way one-sided if you ask me. One piece and two
piece bathing suits are both lovely, but calling me a sinner because I chose to wear a
bikini? Please have several seats. Am I ashamed? Not one bit. Because while I
wasn’t happy about my weigh in this morning, or anyone that dares to criticize or shame Christian women or any women, for
wearing bikinis, I believe I have a beautiful
body. Sure, I have love handles I’d love to tone and I’d like my thighs to be
slimmer, but I love my abs, collarbone,
height, glowing skin tone, and my arms. In fact, this afternoon I grabbed all
of my bikinis and tried them on one at a time to point out the things I love
about my body. I loved the way I
looked in them. And I came to a conclusion -- it’s time to put an end to body
shaming and questioning the salvation of Christian women, or any woman really,
that reserve the right to wear bikinis. Aim to be as healthy as you can and don’t
be too rough on yourself about your body. You should totally wear that bikini.
Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me