Running after each new fad and fashion. Starving myself

I was in middle school and had just dedicated my life to ministry when I found this out. At the time it made absolutely no difference to me, and I didn't think much of it.

The memory popped up in my brain recently, and my only thought was to sigh in relief at what God had graciously saved me from.

When I was a little girl, people recommended my mom start me modeling. (Now, does that mean I'd still have the looks or even ability to be a good model - no clue. Quite frankly I don't think I have what it takes - but when I was little, who knows)

My parents never mentioned this to me. I happened to find out because my mom was telling someone else on the phone how relieved she was that she hadn't. My mom made a deliberate choice to not even go down the road of me modeling. Her deepest desire for me was to love Jesus and modeling could be a hindrance.

I cannot tell you how thankful and grateful I am that my mother made that choice.

The older I get, the more aware of my own weaknesses I become. I don't think I would have made it far or long in that world under that type of stress. What drove all this home was a story I read about a young woman who died at the age of 26 from drug-related complications. This poor girl had started modeling quite young and simply couldn't handle the pressure. 

I saw myself in her story. Maybe that could have been me.

Trying desperately to stay young and beautiful in the eyes of a world that's never satisfied.

Running after each new fad and fashion. Starving myself and never at peace.

Instead I am here. How grateful I am for the life I have, and the many blessings God has given.

But it started because my mom made a choice to put Jesus first in her daughter's life. May I do the same for my kids.

What about you, Reader. What choices or decisions have been made in your life that have pulled you closer to God?