So what makes the beauty queens so beautiful? Usually a big smile--with straight(ened) teeth, distinct eyes with long eye lashes. She's gotta be tall-but not taller than the boys, right? And thin, but not skinny. Curvy, but not plump. Big personality, yet not obnoxious and annoying. How am I doing so far?
Girls, what if we redefined beauty? I know, I know--here comes the proverbial "inner beauty" phrase. You assume we are gonna take Fat Amy and say why she is beautiful, huh?
Um....I'm not gonna go there.
And I'm not here to tell you to embrace your frizzy hair, or never go for a run, and only wear sweatpants. (Except in college, I just described myself in college without even trying.)
The Bible says, "Beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
What does that mean in real life?
I think we get the first part--beauty is fleeting. We have all seen people age--smooth skin wrinkles, hair grays, waists grow...things sag. :)
But what does a woman who fears the Lord actually look like? What kind of beauty does she have?
Here's my thoughts:
Her eyes may not be distinct, or diamond shaped, or bright blue but, rather, her eyes look to others. She fixes her eyes not on herself, her appearance, or her problems. She doesn't look to only increase her popularity, but she looks out for the under dog. She sees the needs of those around her. She is able to look past the teenage drama and see what matters for eternity.
Whether her smile is perfect or not, this girl she uses her words to bring life to everyone and anyone. She refuses gossip or contagious negativity, and instead searches for words that point people to the love of Christ. She speaks starkly differently than her peers, understanding the power of our words.
A girl who's beauty is not fleeting may not have long, slender legs, but she is busy running around making a difference in other's lives. She spends more time serving and loving those around her, than she does perfecting her calves. She moves about her days, guided by the love that God has for her, and strengthened by God's promises for her.
And this girl, who you ALL can be, is not necessarily dressed in the newest jeans, cutest top and absolutely the. greatest. boots. But girls, she is clothed in the love of God, she is arrayed in purity, . She accessorizes herself with humility and compassion.
You can all have this beauty. When you learn that beauty begins not with yourself, but with others, you can become the prettiest girl in the world. The grace and beauty that lasts, does not begin with what you see in the mirror, but what God sees in your heart. Ah--there it is--inner beauty. :) So let your Maker, the God that loves you, teach you about the beauty he has put in you just waiting to come out.
You are Adored by a Holy God, Girls--go change your world.
--Rebekah
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