Inner Beauty is a Lie.

Inner Beauty is a lie. In fact, I think young people are lied to about many things early on that severely distort their perception of reality. Like most females, I have strong opinions around the pressures that women face in society to appear a certain way on the outside. However, a lot of the mainstream self-esteem curriculum that has penetrated our culture and coaxed young girls into dwelling on their thought patterns toward themselves doesn't sit well with me. 

When I was young, I was told by adults that I could be anything I wanted to be. Maybe that's why I had an unrealistic expectation of becoming a scientist. This aspiration was based off of my interest in collecting rocks when we went on vacation. As I grew older my love of rocks evolved more into a love of jewelry than an interest geology....is that what it's called? God made me with some specific gifts and abilities, but as an adult I see that they could not get me very far as a scientist...or a "motorcycle woman" for that matter. (Another legitimate childhood dream.)  

I also heard a lot about inner beauty. Looking back it seems like it was some sort of compensation for not measuring up  physically. But I wish girls were affirmed in their conclusions that some of their friends might be ascetically more pleasing to the eye than they are, and that's ok. If we live in a broken world where life is not fair, then why do we constantly feel the need to place everyone on a level playing field in every arena?

Honestly, I felt like one of those girls who had to rely on inner beauty to make up for my extended awkward (understatement) years. I am so grateful. I never had teenage heartbreak, I just had fun with my friends. I was able to observe and become sensitive to others who felt left out or different. Somehow I was slightly ignorant to the extent of my awkwardness, which could probably be attributed to my encouraging parents who kept my focus on Christ. 

I do think beauty comes from within, but only when we become a hallow vessel seeking Christ as the author of our identity. When we become fixated on Christ, beauty has a new meaning because it's not directly reflective of our outer shell. There is so much beauty in his creation of human beings, but our assessment of our physical beauty has wandered astray with somewhat unattainable societal standards. Ultimately, I believe that true inner beauty comes from the reflection of Christ in our lives and our ability to love others in the way that He loves us. Woman, you will compare yourselves to other women. In some instances you will find yourself better off and other times you'll walk away from an interaction feeling subpar. It's real. But when your goal is to serve your Father who created you, tell me why it matters. You become beautiful when the love of God overflows within you and impacts your priorities, your perspective,  and your desires. 

How effective could the body of Christ be if we accepted the reality of the kingdom on earth and focused on who he created each of us to be as individuals instead of watering each other down with equality? We are equally valuable but have distinct gifts, opportunities, experiences, abilities, and looks. It all plays a role in determining the trajectory of God's will for our lives. 

Inner beauty is a lie when explained as "you may not be pretty on the outside but-......" 
No, you are beautiful on the inside because you know who created you and you are aware of the confidence that went into your creation.