Just for Women Wednesdays-Becoming Beautiful

The bible says,"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised" (Proverbs 31:30). What is beautiful? What is true beauty?

The world would have women believe beauty exists only if you have a flat tummy, long straight hair and flawless skin. That's not so!  Even this kind of beauty fades. And when it fades, its gone. You can't get it back no matter how hard you try. I was reminded today upon the death of famed actress Elizabeth Taylor, that not only was she known for her acting ability, she was mostly applauded for her unbelievable beauty. But her beauty faded and is gone. Where is it now? What is left behind now that she is gone? What did outer beauty gain for her? Men, money, fame, notoriety. I use her as an example not to write about her, but to get us, as women, to ask ourselves the question, "What is beautiful? What is true beauty?"

Let's face it, we all want to be beautiful on the outside. We chase after it and don't even realize it. That's why we spend money to fix our hair, buy our clothes, and slap make up on our face. There is a certain look we are going for. When a woman gets ready for the day, there is a certain confidence that occurs on the inside of her as she gets herself together on the outside. Personally, I feel better when I have my hair fixed to start the day. It makes me feel ready for any task ahead of me. But realistically, there are days a ponytail is the way its gonna be. I have learned to fix that ponytail to where I am confident to walk out of my home knowing that even still, God thinks I am beautiful.

This year I am noticing more wrinkles on my forehead. They used to show up only when I would laugh or make a funny face. Now, they are becoming like an old friend. I could do something about it like many other women have, but why? Or should I ask the question, "Who for?" As I grow another year I am learning to appreciate my wrinkles-every one of them and in turn work on becoming more beautiful on the inside. My wrinkles stand as a reminder to me of a long life of laughter! Amen!
As the years leave their mark upon my face I come to see what true beauty really is...fearing God in the heart.

As I have matured in the faith, I have come to admire true beauty in Christian women like:
a beautiful mind washed by the Word of God.
A woman who isn't afraid to pray on the spot with someone or tell them about Jesus.
A woman who gives wise counsel based on God's Word instead of opinion or feelings.
A woman who is not shaken by her circumstances but relies more strongly upon God.
A woman whose family (husband and children) likes being around her is beautiful to me- that her attitude is one where ALL praise her. (An attitude like Jesus- humble spirit)
A woman who considers a task and takes steps at accomplishing great things for God.
A woman who knows how to take care of her household and place her family's needs above her own.
A woman who doesn't have to always say something in a group of women to 'outdo' another.
A woman who still dreams of trying new things and never considers herself "too old."
A woman whose lips continually speak love for God to others.

These are the qualities I want to grow into becoming.
There are more, but these are the ones off the top of my head.

What do you dream of becoming as your outer beauty fades? What is true beauty?

I don't want to be known for my jewelry, or my hair, or my clothes. I don't want to be known for my house or my decor.' I want to be known for my love for God and for others. It's a constant battle to live in this world with its images of false beauty. But it can be done and it can be attained through seeking God above ALL things. Beauty is deceitful- it fades. But a woman who fears God is still being talked about long after she is gone. That's what I want to become. How about you?