Finding Balance

One of my new Internet "addictions" is a site called Finding Balance. The founder of Finding Balance is Constance Rhodes. Constance is also the author of "Life in the Thin Cage". I just started reading the book this week and am already enthralled...and I'm only on chapter one. Constance is a disordered eater as well and is working to change the way the world views and defines beauty.

Constance posted a new blog post yesterday on Finding Balance, entitled "Pain is a privilege. Huh?". In the post she refers to The Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-11. The translation she refers to is The Message and I have to say....this is the first time that The Beatitudes really hit home for me. Read them for yourself and let me know if you agree....

Matthew 5:3-11 (The Message translation)

3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."