I think it’s very common as Christian women (and men) to have struggles with our relationships with our bodies in this world. I know so many women who have difficult relationships with food and exercise.

Today I wanted to target a different side of this topic though. We spend so much time hating and punishing our bodies when moving them can offer some of the most healing.

I took a yoga class today for the first time in a while. It pushed me. I was sweating and keenly aware of the fact that I was far less flexible than I had been when I was going regularly. But the class filled me with so much joy recognizing that I was getting to move my body.

Spending time actually moving your body can have such a profound influence on the rest of your day. We were created to be active. The way your body literally releases chemicals from exercise screams of a God who intentionally created us to move.

It brings me so much grief how much we have harmed our relationships with our bodies that for so many people, especially women, exercise has become about appearance goals rather than taking care of our souls. Sometimes I hear friends verbalizing battles with mental health to me and I so badly want to encourage them to find a form of movement that works for them. Our bodies were created to move.

Rather than using movement as a punishment for your body, use it as a celebration. Use it as a way to reclaim your control over your mind. Use it as a way to help heal your body. Use it as a way to enjoy God’s creation. Use it as a way to explore what you are capable of. Use it as a form of worship.