The problem is, when I seek out style inspiration, I find that society definitely has its opinion of what it means to be a beautiful woman. I don't know about you, but to fit the world's mold, I'd have to
starve myself, lie in a tanning bed every single day, work out for hours at a time, and spend thousands of dollars in makeup, hair products/styling, clothes, etc...No thanks! Not a fan of starvation, prefer not to use tanning beds {hello, skin cancer}, have better things to do than spend half of my day in a gym, and can think of a million other ways to spend my money.
starve myself, lie in a tanning bed every single day, work out for hours at a time, and spend thousands of dollars in makeup, hair products/styling, clothes, etc...No thanks! Not a fan of starvation, prefer not to use tanning beds {hello, skin cancer}, have better things to do than spend half of my day in a gym, and can think of a million other ways to spend my money.
Am I implying that it's wrong for us, as women, to care about our looks? No. Not necessarily. But there is a difference in dieting and exercising because you want to look a certain way versus eating well and staying active in order to become/remain healthy so that we can be of service to God. After all, we can't exactly meet our responsibilities if we are sick all the time.
Really, it boils down to a heart issue.
The phrase "merely external" tells me that we are free to keep up with our outward appearance - braid our hair, wear gold jewelry, and put on dresses - but it shouldn't be the only way we adorn ourselves. This verse says that the greater goal is inner beauty - a gentle and quiet spirit.
If you spend hours sweating in a gym, yet you don't take the time to pray... If you carefully apply make-up, yet you don't crack open your Bible... If you always wear the cutest clothes, yet your attitude is always negative... you are sinning against the Lord.
On the other hand, if you spend just as much {if not more} time genuinely pursuing Him - reading His Word and praying - as you do getting manicures and fussing over your hair, you will be an example of a woman who is beautiful, both inside and out.
So, I will enjoy being a girl - styling my hair, putting together pretty outfits, wearing high heels {when my feet will allow it}, painting my finger nails, and yes, attempting to lose some of this extra weight that I've allowed to creep into my body since having a little one three years ago. But, I am also going to strive to devote just as much time to my walk with the Lord.
One day our outer beauty will fade away. And when it does, what will be left?
Blessings,
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I couldn't agree more! I try to be selective of what boards I follow on pinterest because I just don't want to see girls' six packs staring at me when I log on. They do nothing to further my own self-confidence. What DOES further my confidence is prayer and my relationship with the Lord!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog - I'm adding it to my reader right now. :)
Thanks for adding me to your reader. I'm honored! :)
DeleteI can understand avoiding certain Pinterest boards. We have to be careful what we surround ourselves with because those things eventually take up residence in our mind and heart, then overflows out in our words and actions.
Amen! Thank you for this important reminder, Alana. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to visit. This is something I have to be reminded of a lot. ;)
DeleteI love this! I totally agree and can relate to this. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked this post. It's a message that women desperately need to be reminded of in the midst of a society that constantly tells us that we should strive for "sexy" more than "holy".
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