Beauty

printable here

I've struggled with self-esteem a lot in my life. But then again, who hasn't? I think we struggle with it in different ways though. Some of us wish we we skinnier, some of us with we didn't have acne, some of us wish our hair was curly, some of us wish our hair was straight. 

Here are some things I have learned about beauty:

1. Your beauty is not defined by other women.

2. Your beauty is not defined by the media.

3. Your beauty is not defined by the number of dates you go on.

Who does define your beauty? I'm not saying it's bad for other women to think you're beautiful or tell you you are. In fact, I think we need reminders from caring friends from time to time. But at the end of the day, if there is nobody there to tell you you're beautiful, that doesn't mean you aren't beautiful.

Guess what, we are all beautiful. The things that make us each, individually beautiful might be different or unique to us, but we are all beautiful.  Our beauty, I think, is defined by ourselves and our maker. I think we forget that all too often. But, as children of God, we are all inherently beautiful. 

The other thing I have learned about beauty is that it's a lot more about who you are than it is about how you look. Beauty isn't having perfectly tanned skin. Beauty is helping someone move into their new house out in the hot sun. Beauty is not having perfect, white teeth. Beauty is being there to smile at a friend when they are having a hard day. Beauty isn't about the clothes you wear, how you do your make up, or where you bought your purse. It's about being a caring friend, a loving mother, a kind stranger. 

Love is beautiful. Hope is beautiful. Friendship is beautiful.

YOU are beautiful.