The world is obsessed with beauty and it seems society only accepts those who fit into what a select group consider attractive. We all know the saying, ‘Don’t judge the book by it’s cover’ and this is particularly apt concerning an amazing woman, Lizzie Velasquez. Some are quick to judge her on what she looks like yet she has such inner beauty and helps so many overcome insecurites about their appearance.
Lizzie was born with a rare congenital disease, Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome, preventing her from accumulating body fat and gaining weight. Due to her condition, Lizzie was bullied throughout her school years. Her parents did their best to make her feel normal and loved. God and family became her refuge and she was happiest in church.
In God’s sight, she is so precious. Her spirit (the only thing that lasts forever) cannot compare to something temporary that fades in time. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30).
YouTube | The Official 700 Club
Lizzie decided to join a school club to win over her peers but she realized she needed to change her attitude, and instead of praying to become like everybody else, she had to stop complaining about her physical appearance. When she started to believe that God is the reason for her existence, everything changed.
However, during her junior year of high school, all the confidence Lizzie worked so hard for came crashing down. A video of her went viral on YouTube calling her the ‘World’s Ugliest Woman’ with over 4 million views.
YouTube | The Official 700 Club
She read every comment and couldn’t find even one that was positive . A user even commented, “Can you please just find a gun and kill yourself.” However The cruelty of online bullying did not break Lizzie, instead it inspired her to take up motivational speaking. She chose to be kind to an unkind world. Now she’s showing people how to change the world through compassion.
“I feel like Jesus put me in this little body to show people that no matter what size you are, or where you come from, or what you go through, there is a God who is there, who will never leave you and you can surpass any obstacle,” she says.
Watch and be inspired.
You can also watch Lizzie’s Ted Talk
Source: CBN, The 700 Club