“…for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works..”  Psalm 139:14 KJV

Over the weekend I watched an episode of one of my favorite classic sitcoms, The Golden Girls. I enjoyed watching this show as a child, but now that I am older I have a greater appreciation for it. There are so many life lessons embedded in those 15 minutes of comedy.

I watched the episode entitled, “Blanche’s Little Girl.” In this episode, Blanche is visited by her youngest daughter, Rebecca, whom she hadn’t seen in four years. Prior to her arrival in Miami, Blanche informed “the girls” that Rebecca was a beautiful model and she had “a figure men would mortgage a house for.” Unbeknownst to Blanche, Rebecca gained weight since the last time they saw each other.

Once Blanche saw her daughter, she told her she would put her on a diet so she could lose weight. Rebecca told her mother she was happy with the way she was, Blanche replied by asking, “How can you be happy?”

I admit that I did not find much humor in this particular episode. But I got a lot out of it. What stood out to me the most was how Rebecca was questioned about her declaration of happiness. I don’t believe we have the insight or even the right to determine what makes another person happy.

Over the past few weeks I have thought about what motivates my way of thinking toward myself. I didn’t always see a beautiful woman when I looked at myself, but that has changed. And honestly speaking, I see myself as beautiful more and more by each passing day.

I have embraced the fact that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. We all are. And if I am happy with the way I am – why should I allow someone else’s inability to accept my mindset sway my view of myself? Besides, I did that already.  I am learning the importance of telling myself I am wonderful instead of waiting for someone to validate me. Don’t get me wrong – I have no problem with people telling me how marvelous I am. I mean – I am a “Bad Mama Jama.”

Furthermore, there is no higher being than the one who created me. So, who are you to tell me I’m not marvelous as I am?

Until the next time, be you and most importantly – love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

-B.B.