In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with messages about how we should look, it can be difficult to remember that our true worth isn’t found in our outward appearance. Whether it's the pressure to stay youthful or the comparison trap on social media, it often feels like we need to fit into society’s idea of "perfection." But what if we shifted our focus from the outside to what truly matters—the beauty that lies within us?
This was the heart of the meditation I recently led with my Faith and Fitness group, and I wanted to share these thoughts with you today, in hopes that they will inspire and encourage you on your own faith and fitness journey.
Finding Strength Beyond Appearance
There’s a powerful passage in 1 Peter 3:3-4 that reminds us of where our true beauty comes from:
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Too often, we place our worth in how we look or how closely we meet external standards. Yet, God doesn’t look at us the way the world does. He sees our hearts, our spirits, and the love we carry inside. The truth is, your value doesn’t depend on your shape, size, or age—it comes from who you are at your core.
Releasing the Pressure of Perfection
As we continue to navigate our fitness journeys, it’s crucial to embrace our bodies, not as something to be perfected by worldly standards, but as the vessels of strength, love, and purpose that they are. Each breath, each movement is an opportunity to express gratitude for the body God has given us—just as it is.
Let’s take a moment to let go of self-criticism, judgment, and the comparisons that weigh us down. Those negative thoughts can prevent us from stepping into the fullness of life that God has for us. Today, let’s release the pressure to be perfect and instead embrace the beauty of being fully present in our bodies.
The Gift of Aging: A New Perspective
Last month, I turned 37, which had me reflecting about my thoughts on getting older and what I want my future to look like 10, 20, and even 50+ years from now. Aging is often seen as something to be feared or resisted, but I invite you to consider a different perspective. With each year, we gain more wisdom, more experiences, and more opportunities to love and grow. The signs of aging—wrinkles, gray hair, and changes in our bodies—are markers of a life well-lived. They are blessings, reminders of all the moments we’ve experienced, and not everyone is given that gift.
In our Faith and Fitness community, we strive to celebrate our bodies, not for how they look, but for all they allow us to do. As we move, stretch, and strengthen ourselves, let’s focus on gratitude for the incredible ways our bodies serve us each day. Whether it’s hiking with friends, playing with our children, or simply being able to get up and enjoy a new day, these are the real markers of a healthy, abundant life.
Living Fully in God’s Love
No matter where you are in your fitness journey, I encourage you to see each step as an opportunity to connect with God’s love for you. He doesn’t ask for perfection; He asks for our hearts. Let your workouts be an act of worship, a way to honor the body He has given you, and to live fully in the grace and strength He provides.
Today, I invite you to take a deep breath, release any self-judgment, and remember that you are enough. Your worth is not tied to your appearance but to the beauty of your spirit. Let’s move forward, not striving for perfection, but with gratitude for all that our bodies allow us to do—trusting that God sees our hearts and is working in us every step of the way.
In gratitude and strength,
Tiffany Leiseth
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