Beauty Defined

This (if you have an internet connection that can support media, please click the link and watch) seems to be one of the latest videos floating around, and it’s really good. I think every girl has the desire (even if they don’t show it) to want to be thought of as “beautiful”. And with the world’s definition of beauty being thrown into our paths on a daily basis, it can be easy to being to compare our looks with that of the world. My dad and I were talking about this very subject last night, and he was encouraging me with the truth that true beauty comes from the heart. Unlike the temporal beauty of our appearance, or lack there of, spiritual beauty doesn’t fade with time or old age.
I liked this video because it shows that the “magazine look”, which we can at times compare ourselves to, may not even exist in the form of a real person. It’s like comparing yourself to an imaginary figure, because by the time their pictures make it to the shelf, they’ve been changed. How can we compare to a computer altered face? One where every blemish, red spot, and freckle has been removed? And every flaw is replaced with the perfect colors and shapes? Have you ever noticed how in the movies the girls look perfect in every situation? You know, like in those scenes where they’ve just woken up? Not a hair out of place, makeup perfect. Yeah right, not real life!!
I used to think that it would be so cool to ware fake fingernails. Ok, now I’ll admit, silly idea; but I had seen someone else do it and thought I’d give it a try. Big mistake!! I’m now and forever more, firmly convinced that they were made for women who never have to do an ounce of work. For the life of me, I couldn’t get those things to stay on. It’s just a guess, but I don’t think they were designed for changing babies, washing dishes and cooking meals! All this to stay, yeah, it may look pretty for the moment (not that I think it's sinnful or anything), but it’s just not practical. What we’re tempted to compare ourselves to in the world, isn’t real life. I wonder how many children Mandy Moore, Brittany Spears or Christina Aguilera take care of on a daily basis. Wonder how many meals they cook, dishes they do, and laundry they hang out? Yet, they are esteemed (in the world) as worth copying. Don’t be tempted to fall into the lie that they are beautiful and you aren’t. I’ve been so guilty of this very thing. And so I encourage you, don’t let the lies and so called “perfect women” of this world make you feel like you don’t measure up. To be honest, and to my shame, I’m not speaking from a strong point in my life. But I am so thankful that God has placed people in my life (my parents and older women) that remind me of these truths when I’m giving into Satan’s lies. 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” I’m not in any way insinuating that I believe fixing your hair, wearing nice clothes (keeping a standard of modesty of course), wearing make-up or jewelry is wrong. I’ve done and do all of those things. What I am saying is that, as girls, we need to be careful that our sense of value, our sense of worth, doesn’t stem from them alone. I’ll end with a quote I heard once, though I can’t remember who said it or where I heard it… “God doesn’t love you because you’re beautiful; you are beautiful because He loves you.”
Note: I first saw this video on the Girl Talk blog. If you have time, please read their take on beauty, they can say it a whole lot better than I can.