This last weekend I spent some time with a few of my favorite ladies from my church study group, and we discussed what it means to be beautiful.
For a Christian, our self value should be based in God. However, societal standards of beauty and associated self worth can get in the way of the perspective we have of ourselves.
For women, beauty and physical appearance are often portrayed as the most important quality for our self worth. This is the case, often, when being judged by peers, first getting asked out, etc. This image is continuously portrayed and reinforced through the objectification of women in media and particularly in secular music which fills our ears each day.
However does our value merely lie in our sex appeal and ability to perform tasks of companionship and homemaking? Or does our value and beauty come from something more?
Some would argue, our value comes from our intellect, accomplishments, or what we contribute to society. Yet, I still do not agree with this. Our value is something deeper, more inherent, & more pure.
God made us all in His image. The fact that He loves and values us, sent His son to die for us while we were sinners, and that He made us all unique and with different traits is what makes us valuable. We are valuable because we are valued by God.
God gave us hand picked personality traits and skills that make us uniquely beautiful. Being good at things (soccer, public speaking, etc.), having personality traits (ie. sensitivity, compassion, strength of conviction), and pursuing after God's heart all things that make a person beautiful.
When we use our God given traits to glorify His name and spread His Word, then we are praising Him with our life.
Our exterior beauty is a mere fleeting physicality. However, it is one to be cherished, loved, and respected too; as a temple of God. This is because He "fearfully and wonderfully" made you.
If you are struggling with your self worth,
remember these truths...
God values and loves you.
You are beautiful in God's eyes, because He made every part of you. He knows every hair on your head, every inch of your skin, every single part of your physicality that makes you, "you."
Real beauty lies within.
Physical appearance does not out way inner beauty,.. in annnny wayy!
And it is what you do that defines who you are, not what body you were born into.
Your beauty and value far transcends the curves and features of your physique, it is inherently in you by the hand of God.
Remember you are loved, and you are valued by God and others.
Everyyone struggles with self doubt, physical appearance, acceptance, self esteem, etc. at some point or another. I think it is a continual journey to grow and learn about yourself and what makes you unique.
However, the important thing is to work through it, because the human struggle to find self importance is crucial to our growth.
At times, this struggle can be crippling. So please, if you (or someone that you know) suffers from depression please seek out a school guidance counselor, therapist, teacher, trusted family member, or church official that can provide help in recognizing your personal self worth and value.
You are important and beautiful inside and out!
For a Christian, our self value should be based in God. However, societal standards of beauty and associated self worth can get in the way of the perspective we have of ourselves.
For women, beauty and physical appearance are often portrayed as the most important quality for our self worth. This is the case, often, when being judged by peers, first getting asked out, etc. This image is continuously portrayed and reinforced through the objectification of women in media and particularly in secular music which fills our ears each day.
However does our value merely lie in our sex appeal and ability to perform tasks of companionship and homemaking? Or does our value and beauty come from something more?
Some would argue, our value comes from our intellect, accomplishments, or what we contribute to society. Yet, I still do not agree with this. Our value is something deeper, more inherent, & more pure.
God made us all in His image. The fact that He loves and values us, sent His son to die for us while we were sinners, and that He made us all unique and with different traits is what makes us valuable. We are valuable because we are valued by God.
God gave us hand picked personality traits and skills that make us uniquely beautiful. Being good at things (soccer, public speaking, etc.), having personality traits (ie. sensitivity, compassion, strength of conviction), and pursuing after God's heart all things that make a person beautiful.
When we use our God given traits to glorify His name and spread His Word, then we are praising Him with our life.
Our exterior beauty is a mere fleeting physicality. However, it is one to be cherished, loved, and respected too; as a temple of God. This is because He "fearfully and wonderfully" made you.
If you are struggling with your self worth,
remember these truths...
God values and loves you.
You are beautiful in God's eyes, because He made every part of you. He knows every hair on your head, every inch of your skin, every single part of your physicality that makes you, "you."
Real beauty lies within.
Physical appearance does not out way inner beauty,.. in annnny wayy!
And it is what you do that defines who you are, not what body you were born into.
Your beauty and value far transcends the curves and features of your physique, it is inherently in you by the hand of God.
Remember you are loved, and you are valued by God and others.
Everyyone struggles with self doubt, physical appearance, acceptance, self esteem, etc. at some point or another. I think it is a continual journey to grow and learn about yourself and what makes you unique.
However, the important thing is to work through it, because the human struggle to find self importance is crucial to our growth.
At times, this struggle can be crippling. So please, if you (or someone that you know) suffers from depression please seek out a school guidance counselor, therapist, teacher, trusted family member, or church official that can provide help in recognizing your personal self worth and value.
You are important and beautiful inside and out!
Thanks for Reading.... &
Big Thanks to my friend, Inbar for these rad shots!
... xoxo SP
Resources:
Want to talk Anonymously? Visit: http://www.crisischat.org/
- Suicide Hotline
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline
- National Adolescent Suicide Hotline
- Youth America Hotline
Want to talk Anonymously? Visit: http://www.crisischat.org/
