» Are we happy plastic people?

I have started to run. I'm so sore though. I get tired so fast. I realize that I am not in the 7th grade track team anymore... but it's just so hard now to lose those extra pounds. Really, I'm not fat.. My brother, Abraham, may say that I am, but I don't think so. I guess just a little bit. Hehe. Weight. It's an issue. We are so pressured by the "health factor", yes. But mainly, by the media and what people may think. I was reading my GQ last time and they told me that if I want to look good, I have to lose some weight. As a kid, I could pull it off. But now, it's a different story.

Why can't we just be normal people and let our bodies be the temple of the Holy Ghost? I mean we say it is, but why do we take it to the extent of becoming this bony anorexic generation?

→Why do we have to look good for everybody? That will stress you out, I tell you. I recommend we put our bodies in shape, yes. But be mindful, that if you have a "good" body, you still have many imperfections. Ah, maybe that's why.

You think that:

→If you look good on the outside, you will also look good on the inside...
That's what you think.

Let's stop fooling people and mainly ourselves. Let's be real.

Dealing with imperfections with your body, your family and yourself, the lyrics to a "Casting Crown " song comes to my mind. I leave you with those lyrics. They spoke to me. I hope they will speak to you. Let's change.

"Stained Glass Masquerade"
By: Casting Crowns

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Why are people so pressured to look perfect? In your opinion.