The Fallacy of the "Yummy Mummy"

January 05, 2012 by Elizabeth Duffy

Continued from Page 1

During the Christmas Vigil Mass we read from Luke 2:1-14: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Peace is not just something to be had for the taking by anyone who desires it, but for "those on whom his favor rests."

If we've absorbed even a fraction of the magical thinking that defines the Oprah Mentality, we might think we can achieve peace by obtaining more "Me Time," or by meditating on peace really hard. This time of year we have probably read a few cards documenting the wonderful lives of our friends and relatives, and feel the impulse to makeover our own lives or our bodies. It's tempting to think that the blessing of God's favor is prosperity, earning enough for a vacation, or looking hot in the annual Christmas photo.

While good health is a blessing indeed, one worthy of effort where effort is due, the ultimate blessing of God's favor is the peace itself, which comes from living in the light, from bringing our bodies, our souls, and all of our habits and intentions into the light of Grace, giving "Glory to God in the highest," not to ourselves.

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About Elizabeth Duffy

Elizabeth Duffy is a freelance writer and author of the blog, "Betty Duffy." Her writing has appeared online at Faith and Family, the Korrektiv Press Blog, and numerous other venues. She and her husband live in rural Indiana with their five children.

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