No Filter Necessary

Jan 30

Written By Amy Graham

Recently I purchased a new phone with an incredible camera. It is equipped with so many

features to enhance any picture you want to capture. You can lighten, darken, crop, add stickers

and so much more to make any picture look like you want.

When I took my first selfie, I didn’t recognize the person in the picture. She was about two

shades lighter than I was with almond shaped eyes. Her skin was smooth with no signs of facial

hair or crow’s feet. Although altered, it was a lovely picture. I sent the picture to my husband

with the question, “Do you know her?”. His response was full of gush; not need to put it here.

LOL

I began to play with the camera features to find a way to adjust the features of the selfie. Once I

found the setting, I was surprised to find all the other options available. I could have a thinner

face, thinner nose, (because who wants a bigger nose?), bigger eyes and so much more.

What does that say about the consumer of this product? What does that say about that we think

of ourselves? What does that say about the manufacturer of the product almost every American

has in their hand most of the day?

Many of us constantly compare ourselves to what we see on television and social media.

Although we are likely to know the images are altered, it still impacts what some of us think of

ourselves. The concern lies with how these images impact the self esteem of our young girls

already facing social issues in school and home. Don’t get me wrong, retinol is included in some

of the skincare products I use. I also like a nice concealer. But a picture of me two to three

shades lighter or darker is not a good representation of who I am.

To the one that needs to hear this: You are enough as you are. Scripture says, “I praise you, for I

am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” (Psalm

:139.14).

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