True Beauty

It bugs me to see the things that media today is putting into the minds of young women. Thoughts that they have to look a specific way or must act a certain way to be thought of as appealing and attractive to those around them, especially those of the opposite gender. Women in general (myself included) are being told over and over again that they aren't good enough the way they are. We are encouraged to become something we're not to be considered beautiful in the eyes of those around us. What is beauty though?

We are told by music videos and T.V. shows that beauty is your appearance, and whether or not those around you see you as appealing in looks. Personally I think of this as absurd. That this thing so many people strive for so much is just strictly based on other people's personally opinions on your appearance. Now I'm not saying that I dislike the term beautiful, not at all actually. As much as the next teenager girl, I hope to some day have a guy in my life who will call me beautiful (as embarrassing and cliche as it may be). But I also hope that when this happens (although it may not I suppose), that he will not be solely referring to my outward appearance. As flattering as it is to be thought of as good looking, I believe that there is much more to beauty then that.

It is said in Proverbs 31:30 that "Charm is deceptive, and [outward] beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." This verse tells us that our outward appearance is not what we should be worried about because eventually that will fade. But instead we must spend time working on our hearts and our inward selves. I know that some people would read this and think "Pfft well that won't get me a boyfriend" but if your outward appearance is what a guy is with you for, won't he just leave when that "beauty" fades? I think that instead we must be patient for that one guy that sees our true beauty within. And in that time period of waiting, don't just simply lye around and pity yourself. Focus on the other relationships in our life; like with your parents, friends ,etc. and most importantly on your relationship with the Lord. And when the right guy comes along you will know that the wait was worth it and be more thankful for him because you know that you didn't just settle for the first guy that found you physically attractive. Also, knowing that you were patient and waited for him will just make you appreciate him even more.

In the book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Joshua Harris writes; "One of these days, and this is the moment for which I'm hoping and praying, I'm going to meet a girl, and when I imagine her at fifty she'll be even more beautiful than she is today. They years won't detract; they'll only sharpen and mature her. Because with a women who fears God, whose inner strength draws from the wellspring of His life, time can only add to her true beauty." This is the women that I strive to be and I am so blessed to have women in my life who are examples of this! I can only hope that more young women with also see that this beauty is something so much more fulfilling to work toward then the unrealistic, unattainable so called "beauty" advertised all around us.