What if the “voices” of nearly every magazine cover, movie screen, billboard, and network program combined into one voice and said this directly to you: I have worked very hard to demean you from your earliest days. It has been my utmost desire to see you defeated, hopeless, and longing for sparkly things that I’ve claimed would make you happy. I have called you fat, ugly, poor, unwanted, and rejected. I have flaunted images before you that you cannot erase from your mind – that torment you even in your dreams. I have hoped that you would be dissatisfied with everything you have…your home, your car, your furniture, your life, and especially your God. I admit I have been ruthless in my attempts. I have been relentless in my attack on your very soul.
My platform has been based upon lies.
Will you forgive me?
Forgive me for calling you fat and ugly. Truth is you’re more beautiful than anything I could muster up. Forgive me for rejecting what you have to offer – your gifts and talents are over-the-top amazing. Forgive me for telling you that a brand new car or a trip to the tropics will melt your cares away – they really won’t. Forgive me for attacking your morals – for tempting you to question the straight and narrow way which leads to life. I’ve been hoping you would die. And most importantly of all…forgive me for belittling your God. He is the only True God, and I know it.
What would it be like if you received that apology today? Would it possibly set you free from the lies that keep you bound and broken? What would you do differently this year? Do you think you’d feel released to be you – the you God intended?
I’m pretty sure society’s apology won’t come this side of heaven, but I know it’s one we’re all owed. So, when I see airbrushed models on magazine covers, scantily clad women on prime time programming, or any other image that tries to tear me down, I’m going to imagine them all crying out from behind their prison bars: “Forgive me. I know not what I do.”
And then I’m going to walk on with my head held high as befitting the daughter of the King…into my true destiny. Won’t you join me?
1 Corinthians 3:19: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.