Defining Beauty

Flip through the most recent Cosmo magazine and you're likely to find pictures of skin bearing women, thin bodies, perfect breasts, and beautiful faces. They all have long slender legs and the look on their faces screams sex. Being a woman, it's hard not to compare yourself to these flawless images. We want to torture our bodies to look as thin as them. We cover our faces with thick makeup to hide what's underneath. We dress as though they define our beauty. What is true beauty? And what defines true beauty?

The Bible says, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)

True beauty is from within, and beauty comes from the Lord. So many times we try to please others, wanting their attention. The thing is, as much as I try, as much as I selfishly desire to be something I'm not, I'm always disappointed. I will never be that woman in that magazine. I'll never have long sexy legs or have guys showering me with affection. I wonder if those women in the media ever feel ugly. Every woman wants to feel beautiful, and every woman desires to be told she is beautiful. Some days you may not feel very beautiful whether it be the inside or the out. But there's someone who sees you for all your beauty.

"The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord." (Psalm 24:11)

I'm reminded of a song by Barlow Girl called "Mirror":

Mirror, Mirror on the wall: have I got it?
'Cause Mirror, you've always told me who I am
I'm finding it's not easy to be perfect
So sorry, you won't define me
Sorry, you don't own me

Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than what I should be?
Who are you? Who are you?
Yeah, yeah
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try

Mirror, I am seeing a new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes of He who made me
And to Him, I have beauty beyond compare
I know He defines me

Christ defines our beauty and we don't need makeup,
or trendy clothes, or the newest haircut for him to see
that. The King of all Creation delights in your beauty,
your true beauty! Isn't that worth more than tens and
thousands of men?