In an attempt to review over some of this past weekend’s Men’s Conference, I have downloaded J. R. Vassar’s message, “Substance Over Image”, delivered at Apostles Church in NYC on January 30, 2011. It is identical to one of his messages to us men at The Village during the first session on Saturday morning.

Like during the Men’s Conference, I again found myself somewhat surprised of the existence of image addiction.

I grew up with some physical birth defects which prevent me from many physical exertions and exercises others can perform. Because of this, there were times in which I “stood out” and some undue attention was given due to my inability to perform. I think that this might have birthed a deepset desire to, instead of rise above those inadequacies to somehow prove that I overshadow them with a different image, become invisible* and shielded from the mental hurt and damage from others. Additionally, most of my classmates were from one religious denomination and were very judgmental towards anyone on the “outside” of it. So, I grew up with one friend who became quite close.

Today, I STILL find it odd that people are so empty inside that they would go to such financial lengths (have you priced some of the clothing in places like Aeropostale and American Eagle?!) JUST to make an impression on others. Why is image SO important for them? Me: for the most part, I want to be left alone. Most of my friends are independent enough and yet know that they can call me in an emergency (it’s complicated!) I do not follow clothing fashions (Why?) and cloth myself depending on the outside temperature. I associate with those who are close to me and have made it a point to understand me.

*Note: By “invisible” I do NOT mean that I’m flying “under the radar” and secluding myself from people. Instead, I mean that I am not flamboyantly trying to make a “statement” in the form of image and attention-getting.