Dear Lady, You Are More Than Your Skin.

There was a lady I always admired. She was fair, had pointed nose and was really endowed with all the 'woman assets'. She turned heads and I wished I could be like her, if not, be her. 

It's insane, I know. I struggled with my own sense of insecurity and low self-esteem so my perception of a pretty woman was quite unhealthy. 

I set out to search for the truth. Read God's word on how He really defines beauty and was blessed with friends I could share my struggles with & who really prayed for me. I was blessed with the works of authors like Elizabeth Elliott, Elizabeth George and many more whose reflections helped me in gaining a new perspective.

There are still many young women and girls out there who are struggling with society’s acceptance of what beauty is. Insecurity and a low self-esteem drive us to all the wrong places and the wrong people; where we are left empty and distressed.

We depend on make-ups to hide our flaws and are so tempted to airbrush every picture so we look perfect to attract the validation we seek in compliments. We follow celebrities and constantly gush over their flawless skins. We stare hard at our pretty friends and secretly wish we could turn heads like they do. Can I just say, all these pursuits are superficial?

The truth is, each girl is insanely beautiful in their own way but sadly we place so much emphasis on the outward than who we are on the inside. I am in no way advocating for a total neglect of one’s outer appearance. It is equally important to live a healthy lifestyle and really take good care of your body or appearing presentable. By all means, be a faithful steward of your body. But do not let your focus be fixated on a perfect body to the detriment of the potential within you.

No matter your physical outlook, you are more than just your skin. You have so much to offer than a superficial look. Do not let society’s view on beauty distract you. You have gifts, talents and many more to unleash. You have potential that will set you apart from the crowd and that can not die. It cannot be washed away neither can it wrinkle.

This physical body is subject to decay, accidents, illnesses, among many more. If it is taken away, what would you have to show for your beauty? Strive for a beautiful legacy; one that will leave generations mentioning your name for the longest time. Look in the mirror and see a masterpiece created in the image of God. See a masterpiece created by a master architect, who carefully designed each and every part of you with such perfection. See a woman with a purpose. You are more than your skin. You have so much to offer. Do not let society define beauty for you.

Let others look at you and proudly proclaim, “Many daughters have done well, but you have excelled them all”- Proverbs 31:29.

Have an awesome weekend!