For the Ladies: You Are Beautiful
“You’re more beautiful than she is,” my dad whispered loudly to eleven-year-old me while pointing to a tall, beautiful model who stood within earshot. I turned beet red, wondering if she had heard the comparison. I was extremely skinny then, wore braces on my teeth, and had the most awkward posture since my lower back curved with mild scoliosis. The gorgeous woman walked away, never hinting if she was offended at being compared to me.
My dad was being mischievous (and truthful?!) again, but looking back at that incident now, I can’t help but muse: fathers naturally see their daughters as beautiful. One reason I believe so is because they see so much of themselves in their offspring.
Like Father- Like Son & Daughter
Both men and women were created by God. Of all images to pattern them after, He chose Himself.
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26-27
People—man, woman, sons, daughters– walk on this earth bearing the image of God in them. What’s nice is that the more we behold our Father in Haven, the more glory—the more of God’s image—is seen and felt in the character of our lives, affecting even our physical selves.
For example, the peace and gentleness of Christ can radiate from within us, turning a hard face into a soft one. A seemingly permanent scowl can transform into a constant smile.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Beholding God; Beholding Beauty
How do we behold God? We seek His face. We spend time with Him. We look at His Word, pray, worship, praise. He becomes the center of our line of vision.
When the Lord sees us, He sees Himself. The beauty of Himself.
“And the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.” Psalm 45:11
Our Beauty
Whenever we turn on the TV, or surf the net, or look up at billboards along the highway, we’re bombarded by society’s view of beauty. Says the common standard: the woman must be tall and slim. She must have perfect teeth and soft, silky hair. Her eyes must be round; her nose sharp, skin flawless.
Are we all Barbie dolls? Obviously not.
We should remember that we are beautiful just the way we are because God sees us and made us beautiful. BUT it is good to note that whatever beauty already resides in us CAN BE ENHANCED. How?
7 Tips for Practical Beauty
Here is a basic point to remember: Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. This means we must take care of ourselves physically! Do not neglect the following:
- Comb your hair
- Brush your teeth
- Wear appropriate and modest clothes
- It is okay to wear make-up on your face—just know when it is enough.
- Sleep well.
- Eat well.
- Drink a lot of water.
We may not be able to change aspects of our physical nature like our facial structures or our body type, but we can enhance them indeed. As for the things we CAN change, like making sure we exercise to stay in shape, or by eating healthy food instead of junk food– why not decide to do them? Let’s go ahead and be good stewards or our bodies!
Spiritual Beauty
As we take care of ourselves, we should also remember not to neglect the spiritual aspect of beauty.
1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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.”
This verse does not tell us to avoid outward adornment, but to base our sense of beauty on what lies within us. How is our inner self? Are we of a gentle and quiet spirit? Do people enjoy being in our presence? Do they see the beauty of Jesus in us? If they do, then you can smile and confidently say that you are truly beautiful!
There Is No Shame
There is no shame in knowing, believing, and acting like you are beautiful because you truly are! As we go about our daily lives, let us not neglect the beauty that God has given us.
So walk confidently, beautiful one!
Janina Marie Rivera is the author of the book, A Night Bird Sings of Blindness and Fear and has co-authored the devotional, Dawns, published by OMF Literature. She is a contributing poet in the books Joyful Light and Whitmanthology: on Loss and Grief by Various Authors. She is the Editor-in-Chief of One Voice Magazine.
