Fat and Sassy: Will You Still Love Me?
In our bathroom, we have a small sign that reads: “Objects in the mirror are skinnier that they appear.” It helps with the attitude as we start a new day. No one wants to feel too big.
Do you have a weight problem? Few people discuss their weight publicly, unless they are Marie Osmond or Oprah. You can ask people about their finger nail polish, or their respiratory functions, but “how much do you weigh” is off limits. If fact, many people would rather talk about their age or even their most recent surgery, before discussing their weight.
Scientific studies have proven that women who carry extra weight, live longer than the men do who mention it. (humor)
Speaking of scientific studies, the Telegraph of London (January 29, 2010) reported that, “Voters believed that overweight male candidates were more reliable, honest, dependable and inspiring than their thinner counterparts.” This should provide the governor of New Jersey some much needed encouragement.
There are those who are unashamedly "fluffy" in sports, Hollywood, and television. More and more we see “Plus” models presenting clothes for the larger populace of women and men. As I write this article, the United States Congress is considering the issue of the size of airline passenger seats because Americans just need more room.
No offense, but are you overweight? If you want to taste depression, start by finding out your Body Mass Index (BMI). If you are in the 18.5-24.9 range, you are “normal.” If you are over that, your doctor may take action, unless you have a pudgy doctor.
There were several overweight people in the Bible. In Judges 3, we meet Eglon, the Moabite King. Verse 17 says that he was a “very fat man.” In 1 Samuel 4:18, Scripture records that the priest Eli had become “heavy” in his old age.
In the Bible, the word “fat” has several different meanings. One definition means to be fleshy or plump, or even coarse and gross. Psalm 73:7 says that the eyes of the wicked “bulge with abundance.”
“Fat” can also mean to be rich, wealthy and affluent. Psalm 92:14 (KJV) says, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.”
In Genesis 4:4, “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” This means that God was well-pleased with Abel because he brought the best (the fat) of the herd to be sacrificed.
As I come to an end of this blog, I do so with trepidation and caution. Some of you thought I was going to make “fluffy” people feel bad. But life is too short to fat-shame good people.
So, let me finish with this sweet Scripture of encouragement: “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and you labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (Isaiah 55:2 KJV)
Hang that Scripture on your ‘fridge and be blessed (in moderation, of course)!