Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3,4
This verse reminds us women (men can learn from this too) that what is in the inside is of greater worth than our outer appearance. Some will read this and say that we need to walk around looking plain and dowdy, but I don't feel that this is the point. Back in that day there were women who dressed to seek attention (see how the Bible never gets out-dated), and they walked around acting spiritual, but inside they were ugly. We can have the best designer clothes, but it won't hide a sour face or mean spirit.
I have a treasured little book, by Joyce Landorf, that is titled The Fragrance of Beauty. It was first published in 1973, but it came into my hand already a little tattered after I was married in 1986. I liked what she had to say because she dispelled the feeling that a Godly woman had to look plain and unappealing. She wrote that looking pleasing to others is not a bad thing, but the most important feature is to shine God's light from the inside out.
"My mother had a unique beauty in that very often people could not recall a single detail of her face but they would say, "She was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. My Mother's deep beauty went hand in hand with her faith and her unfailing trust in Jesus, her dearest friend." -Joyce Landoff
I loved her chapter titles:
Worry: A Scampering Mouse
Inferiority: The Green-Eyed Cat
Anger: Mad As a Wet Hen
One of her best chapters is titled "The Gracious Beauty of Forgiveness and Love." In this chapter she talks about how anger can rob a person of their beauty. "A woman of beauty accepts things which cannot be altered, and she accepts them without a martyr complex. She can be sensitive and alert to the needs of others because she has known God's forgiveness and love in those same areas of her life. "
This is a concept that we can all make note of as we struggle to live a life that is pleasing to God, and reflective of His love. I am not sure this is ever a trait that can be perfected. It seems that we all battle our own selves and the need to be right. But, this is certainly worth praying about and striving for. I know that when I act gracious and forgiving, it makes me feel good inside. When I am a raging lunatic at my kids, I don't like myself later. I am thankful for forgiveness.
I have a friend who is in her 80's, but she is the most beautiful person I know. She is a Godly and wise woman. She has a twinkle in her eyes, and a smile on her lips. She can laugh a hearty laugh, and she can pray a powerful prayer. She is full of faith, love, forgiveness, and grace. I told her one day that if God blesses me with a long life, I want to look like her. She has not had an easy life, but she has had a purposeful life. She is greatly loved by many. She is beautiful.
True beauty is that inner spark that shines outward. If you are feeling robbed of that kind of beauty, then think of ways to give to others by word or deed. Even a simple smile can change some body's day.
Sending a smile to you!
Sandy
