Friday, March 19, 2010

Beauty

Beauty.

How do you feel when you think of that word? Enthralled? Excited? Proud? Insecure? Disappointed? Restentful?

My guess is most women land in the category of the last few adjectives. I know I often do. But guess what? I am beautiful. And so are you.

In a previous post, I quoted John and Stasi Eldrige from their book Captivating: "Many of us have hardened our hearts to this desire, the desire to be the Beauty. We have been hurt so deeply in this area that we no longer identify with, perhaps even resent, the longing. But it's there. We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil." This quote, along with the majority of the book, spoke to my utterly feminine and romantic heart.

In a recent conversation with a male friend, he wondered aloud (out of curiosity, not meanness) at the insecurity that many women possess. He compared the compliments that he gives women as very carefully wrapped gifts, that women just throw in the proverbial garbage can by saying "oh no, that's not true."

This friend of mine is not the only one who feels hurt by a woman's lack of self-worth. Our creator, our king, is enthralled by our beauty. (Psalm 45:11) He gave it to us, in place of ashes. He wants us to own it, to rejoice in it, and in Him. You are a daughter of a King, which makes you a princess. And He thinks YOU are beautiful. His opinion is the only one that matters, in the end. Remind yourself of that when you need a little self-confindence boost. I do.

Read other women's thoughts on beauty on Sarah Markley's blog this week.

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9 comments:

Linda Z said...

I love your romantic heart! And yes, you are beautiful!! :)

Sarah Markley said...

This is beautiful! Thank you so much for posting. =)

Julie said...

Beautiful words. Thank you. I love what you shared here. I am very familiar with Captivating. God has been restoring my heart to beauty and what it really means for several years now. Captivating played a part in that...

I found you from Sarah's blog

Simply Sara said...

Beautiful post! I love that verse.

God spoke to me last year about it, specifically the next line in that verse... "honor him, for He is your Lord"

I (like most women) have had a hard time honoring the fact that He is indeed entralled by my beauty.
It's more natural to continually brush off the fact that He looks at me as beautiful, especially with my insecurities, I often don't see myself this way.

Through His eyes though, I'm learning to see beauty.

Unknown said...

Your blog is so well stated and as we both know very, very true. I love how your friend describes his compliments to women as "carefully wrapped gifts". I'm going to remember that the next time I'm offered a compliment and not be so quick to "throw away" such a thoughtful gift.

Prudy said...

Well said. So beautiful. I wanna read it over and over. I need to read that book.

Your mention of Psalm 45:11 reminded of this series by Pastor Perry Noble (pastors a church in South Carolina). http://www.newspring.cc/series/beautiful In one of the messages he uses that verse over and over.

I'm going to have to relisten to the series now.

Thanks for your beautiful words.

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

"He gave it to us in place of ashes." That is SO beautiful! His opinion is the only one that matters... that is a great reminder we all need every now and then.

Visiting from Sarah's link list! :)

~Jennifer

Colleen said...

Thank you ladies for your encouraging words! It really means a lot. :)

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