I just got back from the beach, and it might have been the best vacation I’ve ever taken. My family had the most wonderful time—and even more amazing? There was no food noise. No shame, no obsessing. Just sweet time with my people and with Jesus. For that, I praise God.
But leading up to the trip? That’s where the real story begins.
My Postpartum Body and the Pressure of a “Beach Body”
I’m five months postpartum, and my body doesn’t look how it used to. Not before pregnancy, not after my miscarriage, not even how it looked six months postpartum with my first child.
As the trip approached, the body image lies came flooding in:
- “I can’t be in a bathing suit.”
- “I don’t want to go on this trip.”
- “People are going to think I look awful.”
- “I’ll probably be compared to that other postpartum mom.”
I knew these thoughts were toxic—and not from God.
Were they spiritual warfare? Possibly.
But were they His truth? Absolutely not.
What Helped Me Fight Body Image Struggles as a Christian Woman
If you’re a Christian woman struggling with your body image—especially after having a baby—I want to walk you through the steps that helped me overcome this.
1. Read Scripture
I turned to the Bible, repeating Psalm 139:14 over and over:
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
This verse reminded me that God created me on purpose. My body is not an accident. It’s part of His plan.
2. Pray About My Body Image
I prayed over my thoughts, asking God to replace lies with truth.
I asked Him to:
- Give me peace
- Tear down the idol of a “perfect beach body”
- Free me from comparison and food fixation
3. Reflect on My Body’s Purpose
God made my body to do incredible things right now:
- Feed my infant
- Chase and play with my toddler
- Serve and love my husband
- Work full-time
- Care for my home and family
If my body can do what God created it to do, it is enough.
4. Nourish My Body Well
Instead of skipping snacks or under-eating, I chose to fuel my body consistently. I didn’t punish it—I supported it.
The Truth: The Thoughts Didn’t Vanish—But I Was Ready
Let me be honest: those body image thoughts did pop up on the trip. But I was ready to fight.
I didn’t let them stay. I didn’t let them ruin my day or steal my joy.
I took every thought to God and reminded myself of truth.
I stayed present. I stayed grateful.
I had an amazing time.
Bible Verses for Christian Women Struggling with Body Image
Here are three verses that helped me, and I pray they help you too:
- Psalm 139:13–14
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- 1 Samuel 16:7
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
And one more that keeps my perspective grounded is John 10:10:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Body shame steals joy. God offers freedom.
Christian Body Image Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Purpose
If you’re heading into a beach trip—or even just scrolling social media and feeling discouraged by your body—pause and ask:
- Are these thoughts from God or from the enemy?
- What does Scripture say about my body?
- What is my body’s true purpose?
Then take the steps that helped me:
Read, Pray, Reflect, Nourish. Repeat as needed.
Your body is a gift. Your worth isn’t in your waistline—it’s in your identity in Christ.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, mama. Let that be enough.
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