From Shame to Stewardship

From Shame to Stewardship:  A Journey to a Renewed Mindset About Body Image

For as long as I can remember, my body has been a battleground. From the mirror to the dressing room, from diets to comparisons, I’ve lived much of my life in a tug-of-war with the skin I’m in. I can still hear the teenage version of myself, staring into the mirror with a critical eye, whispering lies that were planted by culture, comparison, and insecurity: “If you looked different, you’d be loved more. If you lost ten pounds, you’d be enough.”

And for years, I believed those whispers.

I jumped from one diet to the next, chased unrealistic standards, and punished my body with guilt when I failed to meet them. I used fitness as a way to “fix” myself rather than care for the life God entrusted to me. And even though I loved Jesus, my thoughts about my body and food were anything but renewed. In truth, they were heavy with shame and striving. But God, in His mercy, began to shift everything.

It didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t come from a new workout plan or diet trend. It came from truth—biblical truth—that gently exposed the lies I had believed for far too long.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by

the renewing of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32

The world told me my body needed to look a certain way to be valuable. But God was asking me to see my body not as a project to perfect, but as a gift to steward.

This was the beginning of freedom. I started to realize that my body is not the enemy. It is a vessel. It is the means through which I love my family, serve my community, walk out my calling, and worship my God. Lord willing, it is the body that will carry precious children into this world.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Suddenly, food wasn’t a source of guilt—it became fuel. Movement wasn’t punishment—it became worship. Friends, if you are struggling with your body today, please hear me:

God is not ashamed of you. He is not waiting for you to reach a goal weight or size before He calls you “good.” You were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and He has entrusted you with the care of a body that is already precious to Him.

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

When we care for our bodies as an act of worship, we shift the focus from how we look to how we live. And that, dear one, is a beautiful exchange.

I’m still learning. I still have days where old thoughts try to creep in. But I no longer let them take root. Because I’ve tasted the freedom of living from a renewed mind, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Let’s be women who care for our bodies, not because we’re trying to become someone else—but because we are grateful for the life God has given us.

Let’s be women who model stewardship, not shame.

Let’s be women who move in grace, who nourish in love, and who worship with every part of who we are.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Proverbs 31:25

Your body is not a burden, it’s a blessing.

Prayer Tip #22 - Pray for a renewed mind.

• Lord, transform my thinking. Help me to see my body the way You do—not with shame, but with purpose and love

• Holy Spirit, show me how to care for my body with wisdom and balance. Help me choose habits that glorify You.

• Father, forgive me for agreeing with lies about my worth and identity. Replace every lie with Your truth.

• Jesus, free me from the need to measure myself against others. Teach me to rest in being fearfully and wonderfully made.

• Lord, whether I eat, move, rest, or grow—let it all be for Your glory, not for applause.

Suggested Prayer

Dear Lord, 

Thank You for creating me with care, intention, and love. Help me to see my body through Your eyes—not with criticism, but with compassion. Teach me to steward this gift well, not out of fear or vanity, but as an act of worship. Replace shame with confidence, striving with surrender, and obsession with peace. May my health journey be a testimony of Your grace and not my performance. Let every step I take be led by Your Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Joyfully,

Nicole Smith