In February I wrote about change and how we need to expect it, accept it and move with it.
This entry is such a change opportunity because it was the last article I wrote for the Baptist News as Director of Baptist Women.
One way to look at it
Barbie and influence
Whether you acknowledge it or not, we each influence others in positive or negative ways. Movies, video games, books and toys can also have an impact on attitudes and behaviours. Barbie the doll, is a toy that has caused controversy for many decades.
Now Mattel has recently unveiled a major overhaul to the skinny blonde Barbie doll that’s dominated store shelves and little girls’ toy boxes for years. They have reshaped her to meet realistic body expectations.
One argument against Barbie is that she contributed to girls having a negative body image and subsequently eating disorders. Girls wanted to look like her. However, Barbie may not be solely responsible for creating distorted self- images. Plenty of girls had Barbie dolls and have grown up without problems. Other things like
- the bullying of a friend;
- the negative self-talk they observe in a mum or aunt;
- the physical or sexual assault at the hands of an abuser can result in feelings of bodily shame.
Stress, loneliness, broken relationships, tiredness and a myriad other things can lead to emotionally controlled or uncontrolled eating and feelings of worthlessness. *
The wonderful message of Jesus
The wonderful message of Jesus is that He loves us and accepts us just as we are. Whatever we do or don’t do, we can’t make Him unlove us. Grace is Grace is Grace.
Father adores us, Jesus intercedes for us and the Holy Spirit leads us on a journey of transformation.
Mattel is changing its influence on little girls but Barbie is still a toy. Our God is real. He gives us value and worth. You are alive in Him and He is in you. Everything you say or do influences other people and their view of God.
Thank you for allowing me to influence you through my writing in the Baptist News and in this blog from now on
.
Now here’s my blessing to you.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
* If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these issues please get some help from your doctor, counsellor or psychologist. Even me.