What happened to her? I can hardly recognize her anymore. Her sweet, pure, childlike beauty has evolved into a done-up mannequin.These were my thoughts as I watched one of my favorite TV shows, which is notorious for recognizing contestants for their talent and not for their looks. Revolutionary, right? But once the hosts selected a contestant, make-up artists, hairstylists and fashion police came running to make changes. Why? Because in the eyes of the world, image matters.

While growing up in New York City, I was constantly bombarded with this infatuation with image and appearance. Women of all ages carry high-end handbags, toddlers wear “Air Jordans” and professionals don designer suits, shirts and shoes. To this day, when I visit my mother, I feel as though I must look my sharpest to gain the approving nods of people on the subway and in the markets.

But what happens when you don’t gain the approval of others—when you feel rejected because you’re not pretty enough, or skinny enough, or athletic enough? Perhaps you walk through life feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Perhaps a friend or family member puts constant pressure on you to fit into a certain mold. Or perhaps, as you walk the streets of your own town, you wonder if you’ll ever look “put-together,” just like those around you. Your neighbors flaunt perfectly-shaped bodies, flawless facial features and trendy outfits, and you can’t help but feel alone in a world of lesser-thans.

Throughout my life, I have tried to tune out these negative voices and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. God loves me and thinks the world of me. As the Bible says, I am the apple of his eye. If you’re like me, and have struggled with your self-image, turn to these four verses to see what God says and thinks about you and your appearance.

1. I Am Created in His Image.
   So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. - Genesis 1:27 (GNTD)
2. I Am Not a Mistake.
   You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb. When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother’s womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there—you saw me before I was born. - Psalm 139:13,15-16a (GNTD)
3. I Have A Purpose.
   God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10 (GNTD)
4. I Am Loved and Accepted.
   …I have loved you, so I continue you to show you my constant love. - Jeremiah 31:3 (GNTD)