Dear Jennifer Lawrence, I can’t help but notice the tabloids exploding with your comment about the recently surfaced photos of you. I can’t imagine what you must being feeling right now, but know that you have people in this world praying for comfort and peace during this time of trial.
I first wanted to say how sorry I am that someone hacked your personal photo library. What they did to you was wrong, and it should no go without consequences. I have not personally viewed the photos, nor do I plan on looking for them–but something you recently said about them truly broke my heart. In a recent interview for Vanity Fair you stated, “I was in a loving, healthy, great relationship for four years. It was long distance, and either your boyfriend is going to look at porn or he’s going to look at you.”
Joking or not, there is so much wrong with this statement, and I want you to hear my heart as to why. I need you to understand that you have so much more worth than this tiny sentence gives you, and that sending a man photos of yourself in order to keep him from looking at porn doesn’t sound healthy to me at all. In fact, if he’s looking at pictures of you, he’s probably looking at pornography as well. Porn kills love. This doesn’t scream healthy whatsoever.
Your body is precious to God, and not to be treated like a piece of meat. You have worth. If this is your definition of a “great relationship,” I would encourage you to re-think the type of relationships you are seeking after. You deserve better.
You are worth more than this.
I understand that it wasn’t your fault your pictures were leaked, but I would encourage you to take this experience as a learning opportunity. Imagine all the young girls who look up to you, who now think that in order to be in a healthy relationship they must send naked photos of themselves to their boyfriends, all in hopes of keeping them from looking at porn. This is so extremely twisted. I know this isn’t something you’d want to see happen, nor is it something you’d want my future daughter to think is true. Don’t believe the lie. You have value regardless of what you’re wearing.
You can be different.
Contrary to what the entertainment industry tells you, you don’t need to flaunt your body in order to get a man. You are a creation of God, and there is nothing else in this world that can bring you more worth than that. My wife and I are praying for you during this time, and I hope you take this letter to heart. Regardless if you’re looking for a hand of grace, my wife and I are open to give it.
