George Macdonald said, ‘If you knew what God knows about death you would clap your listless hands’, but instead I find old people in North America just buying this whole youth obsession. I think growing older is a wonderful privilege. I want to learn to glorify God in every stage of my life.
– Elizabeth Elliot
Tim often tells me “I have a hole in my heart the shape of your figure.” To Tim, I am beautiful. But, when I look in the mirror, I see every flaw. It is so easy for me to get sucked into a worldly view of beauty without even realizing it.
It was smooth sailing until age 27. All of a sudden, this skinny kid couldn’t eat as much as before. During our engagement I meticulously monitored every bite. After the wedding, like most people, I relaxed and gained some weight. Now, after five pregnancies (two live births and three miscarriages) I have experienced first-hand the battle of the bulge and feel my age creeping up on me. Sometimes I detect jealousy in my heart when I observe younger women, full of youth and vitality. This year I’ve enjoyed going to the gym, and I’m happy to report that I’ve seen some of that energy return. Strength training is a beauty tip I learned from the Virtuous Woman herself … “She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” Proverbs 31:17
While God is working to make me someone truly beautiful, from the inside out, for His glory (not mine), He has given me wonderful examples of beauty that touch me to the depths of my soul.
Last night, however, physically speaking, the woman I saw was a shadow of the Rayetta I once knew. You see, my 65-year-old friend was recently told by her doctors that her earthly life will end in a matter of days, weeks or just a couple months. After an on-off fight which began years ago with breast cancer, she now has tumors over-taking her brain. We pray for healing, but we are prepared to let her go to be with God.
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| My dear friend Rayetta |
So, go ahead – keep buying face creams, foundation, mascara and modest lovely clothes that compliment your smile. Both Aunt Helen (see Beauty Is a Choice – Part 1) and Rayetta would encourage us to look our best, as earthly representatives of Christ. But, invest MORE of your time and energy in eternal beauty:
- Bathe yourself in the blood of Jesus
- Beautify your eyes by digging into the Word of God
- Groom your soul by praying without ceasing
- Flush out bitterness and apply the balm of forgiveness
- Curl your smile to uplift those around you
- Shield your eyes from the glare of comparison
- Wear plenty of Son-screen to protect you from the harmful rays of Satan’s lies
- Before taking medication, focus on meditation and memorization of God’s precious Word
- Exercise grace to edify, speak the truth in love, pointing others to God
- Wear the delicate fragrance of a meek (boldness under control) and quiet spirit
- Thank God for your struggle with weight and how it drives you to depend on Him more
- During your pedicure thank God for your feet and ask Him how He can use them to take you places to minister in His name.
True beauty is Christlikeness. Look in the Bible to find the clearest mirror of all. Through it God will reveal what you need to change in your life. He wants to help you become less focused on self and more dependent on Him. The more you know and appreciate God, the more beautiful you will become.
I look forward to my heavenly glorified body! It will be so restful not to have to worry about calories and cellulite. But, I am absolutely certain that when I am in the presence of my beautiful Savior, I will be in awe of Him – nothing else will matter.
Women on God's Mission 