Be Yourself

God made each and every one of us so beautiful and unique! How sad it is whenever we try to clone ourselves into what we think is the acceptable norm. The next time you go to the mall, or are in a large crowd, really look around you. Look at the women around you. What do you see? Overlook their shapes, and your preconceived ideas, and what magazines and Hollywood would have you think is normal, and look into their eyes. Look at their faces. Do you see their beauty? Now, look in the mirror. Look deeply into your own eyes. Do you see your own unique beauty?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, beauty is defined as “the quality that gives pleasure to the mind or senses and is associated with such properties as harmony of form or color, excellence of artistry, truthfulness, and originality.” Wow! Who is our artist? God, of course! Psalm 139:14 says, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well” (NASV).

Beauty isn’t just on the surface, girls! It runs much deeper than that. God wants our light to shine from within us. That is where our true beauty lies. We must first be ourselves! Be who you are! That’s what makes you so special! The world would be so boring if we were all identical, and if we all had the same hobbies, personalities, hairstyles, likes, and dislikes! This summer, spend some quiet time by yourself and really figure out who you are. What do you like to do? What do you like to wear? How does your hair best compliment your face? Do you like to cook, read, play sports, ride horses, draw, paint, sew, do crafts, write, or do photography? Take the time to discover who you are! You will be a happier person and you will have better relationships because you took the time to discover yourself.

Girls, it’s not just our outward appearance that makes us pretty. It’s also what comes out of our mouths, from deep within our hearts. We cannot think evil thoughts or be jealous or envious, and then try to act like we are a good person. Matthew 12:34 says, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (NKJV). It is our actions, and the way we think. It is how we behave when no one else is around. It is our innermost thoughts that are known only to God and us.

When I was growing up, my mother always told me a wise old saying that she learned from her mother, and one that I also passed on to my daughter: “Pretty is as pretty does.” What exactly does that mean? You are only as pretty as you act! You can have a pretty face, gorgeous hair, and fancy clothes, but if you have a bad disposition, you become a very unattractive person! “Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NASV).

I have seen many outwardly beautiful girls and women who quickly became ugly to me because of their attitudes, actions, or the way they spoke. Likewise, others have not been as physically attractive, but because they lived their lives in accordance to God’s will, they were the most beautiful women I have ever met. Why? His light shines brightly in their lives, and they glow! Let it be known who you are from the inside out! Whenever you start to change who you are from your heart first, to be the young woman God wants you to be, you will glow with His love. Your face will radiate His love, and your beauty will shine through! “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV).

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be the young woman you want me to be. Let your light shine through me so that others can see your love through my life and by my example. Help me to be more tender hearted and loving, and to have a gentle spirit. Thank you for making me who I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Carol Gartman

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