“I get upset watching the movies with my hubby especially when there are pretty actresses. I feel I would get this sort of attention if I looked like them“.
This was a real conversation. A real life struggle by another mom.
The TV stars were not the problem. If you ever consider other ladies as a threat because they look pretty, that’s a problem!
Our definition of Beauty is skewed. The world pushes us contents, messages that make us idolize, worship and objectify people!
What is the first thing that comes to your head when you hear ‘beauty’?
For some we think of Hollywood stars, Magazine covers etc. For others its how they fall short of some beauty mark!
Beauty is beyond the charm, physique, seductive moves, well-padded, well made-up, anything around facials and looks… you name it!
That is shallow thinking.
Whatever your definition for beauty, it affects your outlook to Body Image. And it would influence your kids view on beauty.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Physical beauty is slippery.
To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. Esther 1:11
Vashti’s physical attributes got into her head! It is okay to be admired but it is folly to think that’s all about you!
Relevant Read: For The Mom Who Doesn’t Feel Beautiful Anymore
3 Ways Queen Esther Teach True Beauty
Consider yourself a Queen-Maker. If you were to get a queen for the king, what will you look for?
The Need for Contentment. All the pretty ladies are camped in one place and given everything they ever wanted. What luxury!
What you crave for, how you go about it reflects the content of your heart and value you place on yourself.
Imagine them placing huge demands, trying out new beauty tips and products that they think would grab the King’s attention.
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. Esther 2:15
But Esther, She required nothing! Nothing is missing. This must be a young woman satisfied, content, and knew her identity.
I imagine her thinking, I don’t need anything but Hegai knows the king and what he would like! Her gracefulness must have earned her favor.
Beauty shops thrive in their business helping women look good but it still leaves a vacuum in their lives.
The vacuum of dissatisfaction. The crave for more and increasing dependence.
Beauty is about the heart! Her response to situations is phenomenal Esther handled situations with finesse, wisdom, fewer words louder than actions.
Esther was a compassionate and genuinely concerned about people.
If she were a shallow thinker, you’d agree with me she won’t come close to the throne!
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3: 3-4
Esther is a reminder that building values is much more rewarding.
Beauty is about Values! She was not stubborn but strong-willed. She followed the path of justice. What values do you teach your children?
You can see her faith acted out even in the corridors of power.
We don’t lose our values no matter where we find ourselves because it is who we are.
4 Things Your Children Should Know about Beauty
You are beautiful inside out. Teach your children about their identity in Christ. True beauty is in Christ. What the Creator says about you is what you focus on.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14
Your Worth is not in your physical beauty. Contrary to what the world says physical appearance is deceitful and is a poor way to rate your worth. Focus on the needful. Build a life that will be worth living 10-20 years from now. The needful not the temporary superficial.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
You are beautiful when you treat others right. Beauty is about the content of your conversations: The value of what you say to others and how you treat them. Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20:15
Beauty is in your value system and your character. Value life over stuff and possessions.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
I got Heather Creekmore to a live interview. We spoke briefly about Body Image and Beauty before technology went blah! on us.
So here is the conclusion of our discussion. Listen to Heather’s Brilliant discussion.
Join the Conversation: What does Beauty mean to you? What are you teaching your kids about Beauty? Have you ever struggled with Body Image or the concept of beauty?
Today’s Word of Prayer: Father, teach me the value of true beauty in Jesus name. Amen
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