Who Am I?
30 June, 2014
It's a tough world for young women in today's society. Magazine covers boast secrets to flat abs, reality television stars talk openly of plastic surgery, and advertisements flaunt exquisite models to sell products. Young women have all odds stacked against them, and I'll be first to admit I've struggled thinking my exterior appearance equates my inner worth.
Luckily, there's one company sympathizing with young women. The Dove foundation understands the female hardships of trying to fit the "thin ideal" and achieve unrealistic standards. One such commercial explains how young women are prone to insecurities through the media.
The commercial shines light on the morphed body images society has prescribed to women. Dove strives to change the techniques of advertising and encourages other companies to follow suit. Dove holds a strong message, yet after further research I stumbled upon an odd fact:
The Dove foundation is overseen by Unilever, which happens to also own Axe body spray.
The two are polar opposites, as Axe advertisements contradict everything the Dove foundation stands for. Learning the statistic about Unilever owning both companies is unfortunate; the Axe commercial undermines the serious message of the Dove campaign.
Instead of choosing one message and holding to it firmly, Unilever teeter-totters between two competing idea's. Rather than believing in one truth, they decided to stand for multiple concepts simultaneously. The foundational beliefs of the company are not firm, forcing viewers to question what to believe at all.
As Christians, it's tempting to live on a shaky foundation. Sitting in bible study, it's easy to share about the amazing works of God. "Safe" environments with other believers creates a protected bubble. Yet once I'm in the presence of unbelievers holding a mindset that Christianity is boring or weird, I find myself often wavering in my faith. Instead of confidently speaking out against gossip or offering an invitation to church, I sometimes shrink back without a peep.
Being a Christian is nothing to waver about; it's something to be passionate and confident about! Unlike the Unilever company, Christians should have unchanging, firm beliefs. Christians are to be set-apart, living with their eyes fixed on Heaven, regardless of worldly ridicule that may accompany it.
The people of this world are desperately looking for something (and someone) to believe in. If we don't have fearless, fiery faith, why would anyone be interested in our message? We have the light of Christ living in us, and we will not be shaken. If we don't stand for something, we'll find ourselves standing for anything. But, through the power of the living God, we know we are His warriors.
"Lord, I know the world is a confusing place. With all the contradicting messages, I sometimes find myself unsure of where I stand. I pray You'll open my eyes to Your Truth and undo the tangled mess of lies that society has fed me. In Your word, You tell us that anyone lacking full wisdom should ask for understanding (James 1:5). Lord, You know I desperately need your wisdom. Please pour Your abundant grace and mercy over my life, and allow me to see how beautiful I am in Your eyes, regardless of how the world perceives me. Help me believe in my heart that I'm Your precious princess."
Stand strong, sisters!
