Gospel Self-Esteem
Thursday, June 18, 2009 - Comments 10
The Mission statement of the True Campaign reads: The True Campaign exists to end the crisis of distorted self image by challenging cultural ideals about identity and beauty, so we can be free to impact our world as God intended.
From the beginning we’ve wanted to address the topic of self-image (and self-esteem) because it is so closely tied to body image and eating issues. Additionally, the idea that a woman’s acceptance of herself contributes to her freedom in this area is a common assumption held by many in our culture.
Studies seem to support this idea. For example, the creative people at the Dove Self-Esteem Fund commissioned a study which found that 75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking, or drinking when feeling badly about themselves (compared to 25% of girls with high self-esteem).
In response, efforts to prevent and treat disordered eating, obesity and body hatred have been aimed at increasing self-esteem and helping girls believe that they are truly beautiful.
But is it working?
I’m not the only one asking these questions. Many are asking hard questions about the assumptions pop-culture makes about higher self-esteem being a cure-all.
Recent studies seem to be showing that the pursuit of higher self-esteem may not be all it is cracked up to be. The book Generation Me reports that despite self-esteem scores dramatically increasing since the 1960’s and 70s other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and suicide have been rising as well. Additionally, during this same time frame the incidence of eating disorders has doubled.
In other words, self-esteem has increased as a result of these efforts but mental health has not.
So is anyone else coming up with an alternative? Well, yes. Researchers at the University of Michigan have made some interesting discoveries. In a yet-to-be published study Teresa Granillo, working with Dr. Jennifer Crocker, found that when college girls who struggled with eating disorder behaviors became involved in compassionate, other-centered activities their symptoms decreased. When they thought less about improving their self-esteem through weight-loss or appearance, they experienced more freedom from eating disorder behaviors.
Please hear me clearly. I’m not suggesting a degrading of oneself or promoting passivity. In fact, what I like to call Gospel Self-esteem is far more powerful than simply trying to convince yourself that you are valuable through positive self-talk and affirmations. Based on an understanding that we have incredible value as creations of God and that He is committed to our good without ignoring our failure, Gospel self-esteem means trusting that what God says about me is true. That is the basis for incredible boldness and liberating humility. It results in what popular author and pastor Tim Keller calls “Blessed Self-Forgetfulness” – a healthy self-image where you are not thinking more of yourself or thinking less of yourself in false humility, but thinking of yourself less.”
Some who struggle with these issues clearly need to learn to set boundaries, say “no” to unreasonable requests of others and learn self-care but, the ultimate path to freedom is not found in more self-focus, rather it comes as we get caught up in something (or Someone) bigger than us.
That’s why we believe so strongly in the true:shift project, our partnership with Food for the Hungry. By sponsoring a child who lacks basic needs like healthy meals and simple education you will begin to experience gratitude, purpose and a sense of contributing to the greater good.
Don’t take my word for it. Try it out yourself. Find something or someone to give to this week. Listen to someone, serve someone, contribute to a cause. And later, when your thoughts return to yourself you might just discover what you haven’t worried about for a while...yourself.