Can we just not feel like we have to get our bodies “ready” for summer?

Not this summer.
Not this body. Not this soul.
Not ever again.

I decided, this is the one where I had to get my mind ready to stop hiding,
my heart ready to receive joy,
and my soul ready to take up holy space.

And yes, I am making better choices—
but not because I am ashamed of her.
Because I love her.
Because I want to feel strong, live long,
and show up with energy for the people I adore.

But I’m just not willing to feel like I am having to get “ready” to impress anyone.

I’m getting free.
Free from shame.
Free from unrealistic expectations.
Free to be present in every photo, every pool day, every moment of this wild, holy life.

I won’t silence my laughter for a flattering angle.
I won’t trade peace for perfection.
Stretch marks, soft curves, tan lines or not, this body has weathered storms and bloomed anyway.

She deserves love now.
Not 10 pounds from now.
Not one size smaller.
But now.

So yes, I will be in the photos.
Yes, I will raise my arms and laugh like heaven is near. He is.
Because this season, we’re not chasing perfection.

We’re walking in peace.
Practicing presence.
Showing up—fully, freely, and finally me.

But can I tell you something tender? I used to hide my legs.
But then we moved to Charleston, South Carolina.
where the humidity lays hands on you like a revival, and eventually, I surrendered.

I used to stay covered at the pool, not out of modesty, but out of shame.
Towels and cover-ups were a girl’s best friend.
I thought every whisper was about me.
And somehow, that my legs disqualified me from joy.

But healing doesn’t always look like a new body.
Sometimes, it looks like a new posture.
A bolder step.
A holy refusal to disappear.

These legs?
They’ve walked me through valleys I didn’t think I’d survive.
Carried babies, heartbreak, healing, and hope.
They may not be small. I may still walk with a limp.
But I do not walk in shame anymore.

The joy is loud.
And Jesus gets the glory.
This is not the season of shrinking.

Not the season of hiding.
Not the season of hustling to be worthy.
This is the season of knowing we are seen.

Of walking free.
Of choosing joy, on purpose.

Why am I telling you this vulnerable truth?

Because I refuse to stand by silent while the enemy whispers shame over our sacred skin.

If any of this resonates with you, let your spirit free. In peace. In joy. In holy defiance of every lie that said you had to hide.

And this season?
We’re not holding back.
We’ve got kingdom work to do.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

For deeper reflection, listen to 2 Corinthians 3 today!

Be Inspired by Brandy’s interview today!