Monday, December 12, 2011

Proverbs 31

So I saw a pin on pinterest that said "I'd rather be a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria's Secret model."  I thought it was interesting and thought that it was a cool idea but did not think any more about it.  Then I saw this. . .



As someone who has gone through some and will go through more external appearance changes recently (Read: losing my hair: Growing belly and eventually deflating belly, Mastectomy. . . ) I was inspired by this video.  External appearance is important in our society and I have been learning more and more lately that IT DOES NOT MATTER.  God loves us just how we are and he created us just how we are and he puts us in situations in life that will change our appearance and guess what, HE LOVES US JUST HOW WE ARE. He also equips the people we love to love us just how we are.  Shaving my head was one of the most difficult things I have ever done.  I was just not ready (nor would I have ever been) and it was another step in admitting that this cancer thing was really happening.  It took me two days to be able to look in the mirror without shaking.  It took me a couple of showers to be able to "wash my hair" without crying.  It took me a while to feel comfortable in a hat. It took me time to take my hat off in front of anyone.  Ryan wasn't there when I shaved my head.  The first time I saw him I was nervous and scared of what his reaction would be.  I didn't want to scare him or be ugly to him or anything else like that. (Looking back I know how irrational those fears were but they were real at the time)  He came home, wrapped me in a hug and I asked if he wanted to see it.  He said yes and as I took my hat off, tears filled my eyes.  I couldn't look at him and I buried my face in his shirt.  You know what happened?  He kissed me right on the top of my bald head and told me I was beautiful.  He did not shed a tear and reminded me that it is just hair and that it will grow back.  What an example of an amazingly strong husband who can look at his wife whose body is going through these changes and tell her she is beautiful. (Do you suppose he will try to tell me my boob will grow back?  TMI?  Just curious. haha)  As much as I want to continue to try and be a Proverbs 31 wife, I want to encourage husbands to love their wives no matter what and remind them how beautiful they are, inside and out.  Every girl needs to hear it over and over and over and over again and be convinced of it when she does not believe it herself.

4 comments:

  1. Leanne, You are beautiful and an inspiration to me. Love,MOM

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  2. Leanne, I am so blessed to have you for a daughter-in-law and Ryan for a son. I don't think you realize the impact you have made and the inspiration you have been to so many people in the last couple of months. You are truly beautiful inside and out! Love ya! Deb

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  3. You are such a strong person... I am truly inspired by your strength and faith! Same goes for Ryan... what a strong husband he is for you! Love you friend!

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  4. Leanne,

    Hi, I went to college with your sister Aimee and have been semi-following the Team Chin blog. I just wanted to let you know how amazing I think you are and that I loved this post and mentioned it on my blog ;-) http://rotenbergerfam.blogspot.com/2012/01/thirty-one.html
    Congrats on your beautiful baby Leo, sending you helpful prayers!

    - Laura Beth

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