Beauty redefined
In today’s society beauty has many definitions. It’s the clothes we wear or don’t wear. The cosmetics we invest in to keep the wrinkles away. It’s the boobs we have or don’t acquire. Our bottom and how much it’s firmed, or the lack there of. The luscious shiny curls or the pin straight, model hair. The way we stumble or graciously glide when we “strut”. [ahem we all do it, especially when we pass the mirror.]
Oh the mirror. How many of us have a love/hate relationship with that guy? I’m sure we’ve all heard that true beauty comes within or get over your insecurities because at least you don’t have to worry about blank, blank & blank.
Comparison. Another evil friend. I think he & the mirror are in cahoots?
Beauty isn’t just a worry for the ones with wrinkles, the ones with sags, the ones with cellulite, the ones post pregnancy or the ones who now need to start wearing under eye cream [hand raised]. Nope it starts much earlier.
Disney tells us it looks like a pretty little princess. Barbie defines beauty as a skinny little waist with the most perfect tan and legs for days. I mean, even Mary Poppins is “practically perfect in every way” right?
Many of the most innocent, precious, tween world changers in our society don’t even have to worry about the dating game for a good few years, yet they’re still grappling with this concern that they just aren’t ‘enough’.
Their beloved brave hearts are admirable, shining with love for their Savior + caring deeply for those around them. They speak love from their soul. Their smiles could light up a darkened room.
Their worry – beauty.
Beauty is an enemy no matter what the age or the contender, we all fight it.
So what’s a girl to do? Well, I’m not so sure what will solve it for you, but I do know one thing. There was a man who was blameless. He walked the walk, talked the talk and He once stated his definition of beauty....
“You are fearfully & wonderfully made“
“Charm is deceptive & beauty is fleeting but a women who fears the Lord is worthy to be praised”
“The king is enthralled with your beauty, honor him, for he is your lord.”
Really, a king? Gazing & enthralled with me? [swoon]
So Sweet Sister [both young + mature],
Keep your head high. The world only wants to remind you as many times as possible how much you don’t have, instead of how richly you’ve been blessed. I’ve been there. I’ve struggled with this and would be lying if I don’t admit that some days I still do. None of us can be perfect, but we were created by perfection and He doesn’t make mistakes. You are beautiful, regal and royal in your own unique way and it only makes me anxious to witness the impact you will have on the world. You have a blank canvas in front of you and I’m certain you will be a world changer. My prayer is that God will continue to shape that tender heart of yours, that He will hold you close and whisper to your heart the love and the beauty he has created within you. Hold tight to Jesus for he is your King, and you my dear, his Princess. And you are what beauty is eternally defined as.
So keep shining always.