Self Worth - Manna Fund Inc.

You are Enough, Just Because You are YOU!

In a world that often confuses self-worth with appearance, achievement, or social media “likes,” it’s easy to lose sight of one simple truth: your worth is not defined by any of these things—you are enough, just because you are YOU!

At Manna, we walk alongside individuals navigating eating disorders and mental health struggles through outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization care. Often, we see how distorted beliefs about identity can become deeply rooted. But we also witness something beautiful—how healing happens when people reconnect with the truth of who they are.

What is Self-Worth?

Self-worth is how you perceive your value as a person. Healthy self-worth is knowing that you are precious, not because of what you do or how you look, but because of who you are.

In the Bible, we are reminded over and over again:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

You were created with intention. No imperfection, label, diagnosis, or number on a scale can diminish your God-given worth.

Common Myths about Self-Worth

We are surrounded by a culture that tells us we are not enough. Daily, we are bombarded with messages about the need to be more, do more, and be different. But God’s truth speaks louder, if we’re willing to listen. We are enough just as we are.

Myth: “I’ll be enough once I lose weight.”
Truth: You are already valuable. Your worth isn’t measured by a number on a scale.

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Myth: “If I’m struggling, it means I’m weak.”
Truth: Struggle is part of the human experience, and God helps us and grows us through struggles.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Myth: “I have to earn love and approval.”
Truth: You are already fully known and fully loved by your Heavenly Father.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

How to Reconnect with Your God-Given Worth

When self-worth deteriorates, it is necessary to reclaim the truth about your worth; this is a process that takes time. Identifying, challenging, and changing faulty beliefs about your worth enables you to reconnect to the truth about who you are: you are AMAZING!

Here are a few gentle steps to begin:

Practice self-compassion.
Grace isn't just for others—it’s for you, too. Treat and speak to yourself with kindness and patience, just as you would treat your closest friend.

Renew your mind.
Each time negative thoughts arise, counter them with truth.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

Set healthy boundaries.
Your time, energy, and heart matter. Take time for self-care and do not overextend yourself. No one can pour from an empty cup.

Stay connected to others.
We are not meant to be alone, and healing happens through relationships with safe people and with God.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

You are Not Alone

If you’re reading this and struggling to believe you are enough, be encouraged. You are not alone in your pain, and you are not beyond hope. Whether you’re battling an eating disorder, anxiety, depression, or another storm, God sees you and loves you. And Manna is here to walk alongside you on your journey. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or mental health concern, please reach out to our team. We are here to provide compassionate, Christ-centered care and support.

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

-Christie Payne, LPC, RD, LD

Body Image and Self-Worth: Take Charge of How You See Yourself!

Statistics about how people view their bodies are heartbreaking! According to the NOW Foundation (National Organization for Women Foundation), “53% of American girls are 'unhappy with their bodies.' This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen.” Body dissatisfaction is not only observed in women, it is a struggle for all genders. Additionally, the diet industry makes over $70 billion yearly in America and over $270 billion worldwide, and these numbers are steadily rising. Although we know there are many other contributing factors to the development of disordered eating and eating disorders, it is no wonder the prevalence is so high in our culture!

The way we view ourselves changes over time. Have you seen a young child grinning from ear to ear as they admire their outfit and reflection in the mirror? Maybe you can remember feeling this way about yourself early in life. Sadly, at some point, so many of us are negatively impacted by unrealistic “beauty ideals” and messages we receive about how we are "supposed' to be from other people. These spoken or unspoken messages about our appearance and how we are “supposed” to be “different” ultimately damage our self-worth, and faulty beliefs can develop about WHO we are.

In the busyness of life, it is easy for our mental health to take a backseat. Critical thoughts about outer appearance can lead to faulty beliefs about self-worth. Left unchallenged, these harmful beliefs about WHO we are can fuel maladaptive behaviors, including disordered eating, self-harm, and substance use/abuse. Sometimes, because of a mental health disorder, such as an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, someone does not see themselves accurately, even as other people see them. If you are struggling with body image and self-worth in a way that impacts your ability to live a joy-filled life, I urge you to seek the assistance of a counselor who can help you sort through beliefs about yourself and build skills that can help you heal. Manna would love to walk alongside you on this journey!

At Manna, we teach a variety of approaches and skills to combat poor body image and low self-worth. Here are a few examples of effective tools:

★ Challenge the concept of an “ideal beauty standard”. Remind yourself that this “standard” has changed dramatically, over and over again, throughout history. If we take a snapshot of one particular time period, any beauty “standard” is subjective, as it differs depending on which group of people we ask. Even within the same culture, ideas about “beauty” can vary drastically.

★ Determine whether you have beliefs about how you “should” look or be “different”? Examine the messages you have chosen to believe about yourself, where these messages have come from, and decide which are beneficial and which need to be challenged/discarded. A counselor can help you use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to dig deeper to find the core beliefs you have about your worth and challenge them with truth.

★ Set boundaries in the areas where you are receiving negative messages about body image and self-worth. For instance, boundaries are necessary with people who are critical of you. Boundaries in other areas, such as social media, may also be needed.

★ Make a function and gratitude list. If you struggle with body image related to a specific body part, write down all the reasons you are thankful for the functionality of that part of your body. For example, if you do not like the size of your legs, remind yourself of the purpose of your legs and write down all of the things you enjoy doing with your legs (e.g. walking, hiking, riding a bike, snow skiing).

★ Give yourself grace, as thoughts and beliefs about yourself will not change overnight. Just as it takes time for negative body image and poor self-worth to develop, it takes time to challenge and replace the messages that are causing distress and to notice body image and self-worth improving.

The reason I am so passionate about helping others with body image and self-worth is because I have experienced the freedom and joy that result from working through my own challenges in these areas. It is my absolute joy to teach others how to love themselves for who they truly are, instead of holding onto beliefs that degrade their worth.

I work with clients of all faith backgrounds, including clients who do not believe in God. Since I am a Christian, I choose to challenge my own faulty beliefs (LIES) with the way I believe God sees me (TRUTH). Examples of my truth statements are:

• My Heavenly Father created me exactly as I am supposed to be, including my physical body and inner characteristics.

• I am valued by God, despite my many mistakes and imperfections.

• I am accepted, loved, and ENOUGH, just as I am.

Struggles with body image and self-worth do not need to continue to derail your joy, and it IS possible to learn to believe the truth about yourself. You are uniquely amazing!

Christie Payne, LPC RD LD