Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Jeanine Wakefield

How often do you look in the mirror and think to yourself, if only I were taller, prettier, thinner, smarter, …you fill in the blank? If you are a woman, then I am sure you have had these thoughts at least once in your life if not once a week.

I was guilty of it just the other day. As my 30-something birthday approached, I found myself glancing in the mirror wishing that my love handles would disappear. As I applied my makeup, I thought, wow, where did these wrinkles on my forehead come from and how much foundation will it take to conceal them? As I plucked a gray hair that peeked out from over my ear, I wondered why my hair color doesn’t adhere to the gray ones.

Not only are women hard on themselves when it comes to physical appearance, but somehow they tend to believe that if they have outward imperfections that they are inadequate in other areas as well. This comes as no surprise since we live in a society that makes us believe that we have to do it all. The media portrays women who are beautiful and stylish, whose makeup never smudges and clothes don’t need ironing, who works all day and still has a perfectly kept house. She still has time to work out at the gym to keep her gorgeous figure, plans gourmet dinners five nights a week and has plenty of energy to help her well-behaved children do their homework. To top it off she will still be as chipper as a songbird by the time her husband gets home from work! Just typing about her makes me exhausted! In reality, this "super woman" doesn’t exist, yet we strive to be like her anyway.

So, how do we change our attitude about ourselves? First of all, let’s get rid of unrealistic expectations of ourselves. Stop listening to Satan and the world’s lies that we will never measure up. God created us and knew exactly what we would look like and who we would become even before we were ever born. For us to put ourselves down is insulting the Lord God our Creator who designed us and sees us as beautiful in His eyes.

I am reminded of this each time I read from Psalm 139 which says:

You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.

Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together Deep in the earth below, But with you own eyes You saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book Everything I would do. (The Promise Bible)

God has plans and a purpose for me and for you. He will use you in mighty ways and has gifted you with talents and abilities to be used for His glory. He sees you as His beautiful daughter, whom He adores and loves on the inside and out.

My Prayer: Dear Lord, please remind me every day that I am your beloved child. Even before I was born, you had great plans for me. Allow me to follow your will and be used by you to shine your light to others. Let me see myself through your eyes-beautiful and holy. I come before your throne today to receive your mercy and grace. Amen

Join us for our annual Women’s Retreat

January 20-22, 2006 at Mission Springs Conference Center
With guest speaker Patty Robinson and worship leader Sherry Meyers

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you! Isaiah 60:1