We live in a world of information, yet we are not familiar with our bodies and what it means to be healthy. Our bodies are miraculous gifts from God that should be treasured and protected. Our culture worships external bodily perfection, and we all struggle in some way with that expectation of perfection: If only I were taller, smaller, prettier, younger, older, stronger. We rarely take the time to appreciate and to care for the entire, exquisite body that we have been given.
Relationships and communication are central to women’s lives, but we are sometimes either embarrassed to talk about health or feel that it is not important. Now is the time to reclaim responsibility for our healthy bodies. We use our bodies (and brains) to work, learn, have fun, love, communicate, and express ourselves. Self-care is an investment in our future and is good stewardship of the gift of humanity that we have been given.
Practice self-care, in partnership with family and friends, by doing the following:
1. Listen to your body.
2. Be knowledgeable about your health.
3. Live a healthy lifestyle.
4. Plan for health improvement.
Let us raise up our health together to honor and serve God!
This message was adapted from the “Our Journey to Wellness” resource written in part by Tammy Devine and is available from the Women of the ELCA.