I’ve mentioned already how delighted I was by the premiere episode of Plus-sized Misadventures in Love, and, well, the delight just keeps on growing! At the heart of it is Yumeko’s sheer joy at being alive and being herself. This is something deeper than body positivism or assertiveness, though. Instead, as revealed in episode 2, Yumeko’s bounteous confidence and contentment in being herself come from something very specific: Her recognition that God made her.
Right?!? I was pretty surprised to see this too!
But what I love about how this plays out in the episode is that two crucial things become clear: First, Yumeko absolutely takes for granted—in the best possible way—how natural it is to love herself in the context of God’s existence and authorship of her being (which is implied by her gratitude to him that she gets to be herself). It’s almost like a throwaway comment for her, when she gives thanks to God—it’s just that normal for her. WOW!
What a powerful picture of how simple a truth it is that can free us from the “battle of the mind,” as our often painstaking struggles with self-acceptance and godly identity are sometimes referred to. What if we, too, were to thank God each day for making us ourselves? Would we likewise experience the radical transformation that Yumeko has undergone? Would we begin to taste such joy?
The second thing is the transformative effect that Yumeko’s confidence and joy have on those around her and the situations she finds herself in. It is her love for herself that spills out into generosity toward and validation for Tamai, the coworker who stole her “Idea” notebooks out of jealousy and frustration. Rather than accusing or punishing Tamai when the woman confesses her misdeed and repents, Yumeko forgives her instantaneously, with no hint of a pause, and shares with her colleague what it is that she respects and values about Tamai, and how she would like to work with her. To Yumeko, Tamai’s failure was not as significant as the numerous thoughtful, supportive things the woman had done for her, her capability as a colleague, and her worth as a person. Yumeko earns herself a friend for eternity in that moment.
Yumeko’s joy at being who she is also informs how she views impossible situations, unearthing hope amid the most intimidating of mountains. When she and Tamai are told that their product idea is good, but poorly executed, Yumeko immediately celebrates the win and asks for time to develop the product further, surprising an extra two days out of the manager. He later confesses that her optimism made him want to support her and give her that chance.
It’s pretty common in Christian circles in this day and age to point out the causal connection between love of God, self-love, and love of others that is inherent in Jesus’s monumental summary of all of scripture: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
It’s a connection we can get on an intellectual level—it’s logical that we can’t give away what we don’t have. But seeing it play out in Yumeko’s life in this episode? That hits differently, don’t you think? “Self-love,” as it is marketed in social media, can seem like such a battle, such hard work, and can even, at times, risk tipping over into the self-centeredness that plagues our individualistic Western culture. But Yumeko’s example is such a contrast to this; it’s full of such ease and freedom, generosity and immediate blessing to others—it’s inspiring.
And it’s all because Yumeko’s love for herself stems from a starting point outside of and far beyond herself; a point that is more stable and more true than any philosophy, mindset, or perspective; that transcends the self completely. Her love starts from a place of recognizing and celebrating God, and his good handiwork in creating her. Like King David, Yumeko knows that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, and in living by this knowledge each day of her new life, she is releasing love and joy wherever she goes. And I, for one, love it!
Here’s hoping this series keeps on shining so delightfully, and that you, dear reader, may be encouraged and filled with joy as you watch it.
Me too!
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