Here I Come

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

—Psalm 139:15

I’m not going to give in to the cultural pressure that says women’s bodies are only beautiful when they’re very, very small. I’m going to take up every inch of space I need. I’m not going to hide. I’m not going to bow out of things I love to do because I’m afraid people won’t love me when they see me in a swimsuit. I’m going to practice believing that I am more than my body, that I am more than my hips, that I am more than my stretch-marked stomach. I’m going to allow my shoulders to feel the sun, and even (gasp!) my thighs, instead of making sure I’m always, always safely covered and out of your view.

I’m not going to bow to the voice inside my head that says I should be ashamed of myself for being so unruly and wild. I’m not going to develop a relationship with my cover-up that borders on obsessive. This summer, I’m not going to hide.

This is my promise to you, and also my invitation.

Repeat after me: swimsuit, ready or not, here I come.