Are you beautiful? If you’re anything like the average human being, there’s probably been a time when you’ve wondered whether or not you’re beautiful.
I was watching a documentary about beauty and attraction. The commentator suggested that there is a specific ratio of facial proportions that some like to call the “golden ratio”. These specific measurements are recognized by our brain, sending messages of attraction to our Amygdala Medulla Oblongata, our emotional response center, causing us to see certain things and people as “beautiful”.
As interesting as it was to understand the brain chemistry behind attraction, the truth of the matter is that every day our definition of beauty is being redefined by the messages that we are receiving all around us. From our entertainment, to our peer group; from our family of origin to our spiritual beliefs- we ultimately learn our beliefs about what it means to be beautiful.
This weekend, John and I had the incredible opportunity of spending the weekend in Lake Forest, CA, where I spoke at Saddleback Church. There, I had the chance of meeting hundreds of beautiful men and women desperately trying to honor God with their choices and in their relationships.
But more than their sweet and smiling faces, what made these men and women so beautiful to me, is what GOD is doing in their lives. And one thing I’ve learned over the years, is that His definition of beauty, is really all that matters.
You, too – reading these words- are beautiful. Not because of the color of your eyes, the shape of your nose, or the size of your waist. Not because of your genetic make-up, your facial symmerty, or your sense of fashion.
No matter where you’ve come from, or what you’ve been through. No matter the wounds of your past, or the mistakes of your present. No matter what you’ve been told, or the lies you’ve believed…
You are beautiful, because of what a great and magnificent God is doing in your life right here and right now.
The reason we often fail to believe this, is because we are constantly defining ourselves by a WRONG and DANGEROUS definition of beauty.
What is true beauty? 1 Peter 3 reminds us not to get so caught up in our outward appearance, because true beauty always, always, always begins from the inside out.
For beautiful lips: Speak kind words. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit all who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
For beautiful feet: Bring the love of Jesus to others. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news of the gospel!” (Romans 10:15)
For beautiful hands: Use your talents to help those in need. “Do honest work with your own hands, so that you may have something to share with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28)
For beautiful eyes: Fix your eyes on Jesus. “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are fixed upon you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)
For a beautiful face: Spend quality time in the Light. “When Moses went in before the Lord…the skin of Moses’ face shone.” (Exodus 34:34-35)
For beautiful ears: Learn to listen well. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)
True beauty is not a state- it’s a process, one that is developed in us by a God who looks deep into our being and creates life, transformation, and healing. May you seek to live a life that is truly beautiful….
Debra Fileta is a Professional Counselor, speaker, and author of the book True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life, where she writes candidly about dating, relationships, and how to find true love. She’s also the creator of this True Love Dates Blog! Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter!
