Answer: Okay girls, this has been a question that was on a notecard and has been repeated again on the blog. So I'm going to start with this one. This is a really good question because in church so often we talk about denying ourselves of this world and not being of the things that this world offers. However, I agree with you. I love getting dressed up to go out on a date or even just to church. And there is something about putting on makeup that just gives you a little boost of confidence. So is it okay to appreciate our outward beauty as well?
The answer is a resounding YES! Not to sound too churchy but think about the beautiful world God has given us. I live in Malibu and when you are standing looking at the ocean in Malibu there is no way you can't believe that there isn't a God. God created beautiful things to show us His existence. So absolutely yes, its great to appreciate outer beauty. Especially in women, we are God's beauty incarnate and it is one of our innermost desires to share our beauty with the world.
However, the important thing to remember when considering outward beauty is learning how to be happy with yourself. Its learning how to be satisfied and see beauty when you look in the mirror instead of longing for someone else's beauty. Let me explain. Outward beauty is appreciating the good things about yourself and your appearance, instead of constantly finding things that you don't like about yourself. That's how it ties into the truth of real beauty. Its not about makeup and good hair and pretty dresses (although those are all great things to enjoy), but the truth is learning to be happy with who you are and seeing the beauty of God in the way you look.
Every girl has a problem with the way she looks. You will be hard pressed, especially in American culture, to find a woman who doesn't think that she is too fat or too skinny or too this or too that. I could probably give you a list of things that I wish I could change about myself. Especially in middle school and high school- it is so hard not to compare yourself with other girls that seem to you prettier or skinnier or better hair or you name it. So the real beauty comes in a girl who can appreciate her outward beauty as well as her inner beauty. A girl who can look in the mirror and be pleased with how God has created her.
And in addition to that, when you find that peace and freedom in God of learning to love who you are on the inside it will shine through to the outside. And it is your job as young women to help each other learn how to love yourselves inside and out.
So my challenge to you with this question is to stop comparing yourselves to each other and wishing you looked like someone else- because that only results in envy and jealousy. Instead, learn to love who you are inside and out, appreciating all aspects of beauty and teach someone else how to love themselves the same way. Then, we can start truly seeing who God is by focusing on His image in other people. Praise God with your beauty and help the world see God by the way you appreciate your beauty.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions or would like to discuss this further leave a comment and I will try to better explain myself :)
Psalm 139:13-18
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
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