I wanted to pose a question to other Christians and especially Christian Moms: is it profitable to a Christian and especially a Christian mother to get plastic surgery? (considering a mother’s decisions affect the way her children think and learn)
The reason I’m asking is this: My body has been completely destroyed appearance-wise by having my 3 kids. My belly button is almost permanently popped, and I have stretch marks from my chest down to my thighs. I always thought I would consider plastic surgery once I’m done having kids (which I am!) but I’m starting to feel convicted that plastic surgery is not in mine or my family’s best interest. I used to have a body that I was very comfortable in, I was happy to wear whatever I wanted and I always felt attractive. Those days seem to be few and far between lately, as with every child I got a little more stretched and saggy, a little more lumpy and bumpy, and a little more dissatisfied. I’ll admit I haven’t done everything I could in regards to exercise and eating healthy, but I am active, and I don’t drown myself in 27 chocolate bars all day. The thing I always go back to is no matter what I eat or do, nothing will change the stretch marks. Many women have said that they are “signs of love” or something else sentimental and I just can’t get myself to see it that way.
What I’ve been feeling lately, is that while it’s not “wrong” to want to look nice and present yourself fit and healthy, (even the proverbs 31 woman dressed in fine linens) fit and healthy comes in all different shapes and sizes. I’m starting to feel like I need to “get over myself” and move on from the quest to have my old body back. I also have been wondering how I would teach my own daughter and sons about what to look for in a woman: outward or inward beauty? And do I teach them that if you don’t like something about your body, just go ahead and have it changed? Also, what about contentment? Aren’t we supposed to be content in all circumstances? (Phil. 4:11,12, 1 Tim. 6:6, Hebrews 13:5) And lastly, probably the most important, vanity. My body is like dust (Psalm 103:14), I am only here for a flash in time. Is plastic surgery something that I should be spending my time thinking about, and spending my money on? Surely there is a more profitable cause to give thousands of dollars to than “fixing” a body that really doesn’t need fixing, a body that won’t last much longer.
What do you all think?
Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”.
Deanna said,
February 27, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
I really appreciate this post! After my second child this was something I thought about a lot! I have decided that the pain just wouldn’t be worth it for me. But you have brought up a lot of good points! I do think there are reasons for people, even Christians, to have plastic surgery. But mine just wasn’t one of them. You have a lot of Bible verses that make me see, for me, it wouldn’t be the right decision. But lately, it’s been the money aspect. I’ve been starting to think more about giving to people in need, and if I’m spending that much money on myself.. what a waste. Especially since we came from dust and to dust we shall return.
Thanks again for your post!
everythingisducky said,
February 27, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
Yo, I think that if it makes you feel better about yourself, you’d be happier and do more. That is what your kids would see. A happy Mom who isn’t pulling at her clothes or spending 2 hours trying to find something that looks okay. I wouldn’t make a big deal about getting the surgery, because the kids don’t need to know that.
There is always balance because no matter what, our bodies will be different after babies. I just personally have NO ISSUES with it at all. I think it also has something to do with the fact that i see it all the time in the OR. Just my opinion though.
areyouserious1111 said,
February 27, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
So, are you saying that non-christian mom’s choices in life have no impact on how their children think and learn? I think you need to do some reflecting on yourself and realize that just because you have certain beliefs does not make you better than everyone else, nor does it mean you have better values or morals.
mykidsmom said,
February 27, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
I’m not saying that AT ALL. I’m sorry you felt the need to be so defensive. My only reason for applying this to Christian moms was because while everything we as moms do impact our children, as a Christian my choices also impact my spiritual life and my relationship with God, which is ultimately more important to me personally. I don’t think that makes me “better” in any way shape or form, just different. A non-christian can have the exact same values and morals as me, and that’s great! I just posed the question in this way because I believe this choice affects me spiritually, and so I wanted advice/opinions from like-minded people. No offense intended!
victoria said,
March 30, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
As someone who worked alongside the plastic surgeons, I know how hard it is to tell kids of the work you had done, aside from the dilemma of deciding whether to get it done.
The main reason for cosmetic surgery is to help those who need it for something that arose since birth or to a health issue or an accident. Though I’ve seen women come in for bigger breasts, I’ve seen women get their breasts back after their cancer went into remission.
If you look at it, having a baby is like a health issue. And the effects, like you described, can impact how you feel.
There are a lot of non-invasive treatments out there, which is great. I would recommend slimming down as much as is healthy for your height. Then, with velasmooth, a laser, it can rejuvenate your collagen and elastin, making your skin firmer. No cutting, just a needle, and no downtime or major side effects.
I think God wants you to be happy and as long as you’re not fixing something that doesn’t need to be fixed, like getting a bigger chest, then I don’t think it’s sinful.
Take care,
Vicky
Plastic said,
April 27, 2009 @ 8:04 am
Yeah, I really supports your views, thanks a lot, I want to do the same.