I just reached the official 20 week mark of pregnancy with my baby girl, which also means my belly has really started to pop.

Someone took a full body picture of me this week and when I looked at it, I thought, woah, I’m starting to really look different.

Bodies are so interesting from an earthly perspective, because there is so much pressure, especially for women, to constantly be losing weight, “getting your body back”, or fitting into old jeans or dresses.

But from an eternal perspective, bodies take on a whole new meaning.

We agreed to come to earth, to deal with the terrible trials and heartaches we knew we would face, all to get a body (and everything that accompanies obtaining a body).

And those spirits who chose Lucifer’s plan instead?

Their PUNISHMENT was to never receive a body.

Your skin, your heart, your bones, your muscles, your blood…

Your body is one of the biggest blessings and gifts you’ve been given.

And when we have to leave this life and are separated from our bodies again?

I think we’ll miss them.

Until:

“Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the spirit and the body to be united never again to be divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy.” D&C 138:17

Being reunited with our beautiful bodies will allow us to receive a fullness of joy.

Sure, bodies aren’t always totally awesome.

Mine actually is causing me a lot of grief, pain, and issues right now, while I simultaneously feel gratitude for sustaining new life.

And our bodies will be “perfected” when we are reunited with them again.

But what our bodies look like or what size we wear is so far from the point in the eternal scheme of things.

What our bodies do, what our bodies allow us to experience, from emotions, to service, to fun, to breathing, to learning, to worship, and everything between…

Getting the opportunity to do these things in a body, created by God, allows us to experience joy here on earth, and obtain a fullness of joy in the world to come.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

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4 Responses

  1. Thank you; having gratitude for a body that is in pain; and having several problems; can be hard, but I am grateful for my body and all that can mean in eternity.
    I pray your pregnancy will become easier on you; you are wonderful and I so appreciate all of your spiritual insights.
    May Heavenly Father bless you,

  2. Thank you for giving me a new perspective on my mortal body. I am grateful that the Lord is constantly helping me see and understand those important things. I pray you will be blessed with health and strength throughout your pregnancy.

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