For my ladies:
This is what the world says beauty is according to the Dictionary:
The quality present in a thing or a person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations, a meaningful pattern or design, or something else, such as personality, in which high spiritual qualities are manifested.
a beautiful person, especially a woman
an individually pleasing or beautiful quality; grace; charm
This is what the Lord says:
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 1 Timothy 2: 9-10
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3: 3-4
This is stunningly rich.
This is what the Lord has been teaching me lately.
Charm is deceit, vanity is idolatry (and idols always fail us) but a woman who fears God is a woman who honors and respects God's word. Her life revolves around Him, Her children and husband call her blessed… they do this because she is a woman who has served her household and her testimony reflects the love and peace of God.
She does not fall for the world's slander when they say she isn’t good enough because she doesn't meet their standards or not enough people lust after her. She is FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made, so she doesn’t yearn for worldly validation. She doesn’t make it a point to dress in a way that glorifies her body, but in a way that glorifies the Lord. She takes care of herself because she understands that she is the worthy daughter of her God; therefore, dresses and acts like it.
I am at the beginning of my modesty journey. I donated a lot of clothes that didn't fit the bill, and some of the more surprising things I've noticed since deciding to obey this command are:
I don't obsess over fixing myself in the mirror throughout my day anymore; therefore, I feel like I'm more present with others/my children. I'm able to serve because I am no longer my own idol.
My sisters in Christ and other women around me are more friendly/comfortable with me because we're not comparing ourselves to one another. I am no longer the one being glorified, but they can see Christ in me instead, which is what we all search for anyway!
I still dress up and like to look nice on a day-to-day basis, but instead of women looking at my body and telling me I look beautiful, they look at my face or compliment/encourage my spirit on a character quality.. which feels so much more moving and meaningful.
My husband's friends treat me like a sister in Christ. I feel, not only, dignified but respected by them. I never realized that by dressing this way, I'm bringing honor to my husband. (Oh look! The Lord knew what He was talking about!)
This may sound so idiotic and plain to the seasoned believer... but, for me, this was quite baffling in the beginning, my world changed!
Another thing the Lord has been walking me through is learning that the essence of my beauty lies in my soft femininity. I am strong also, of course, a protector and defender for my children! But there's a larger part to me that I’ve been leaning into… It’s the gentler side— the side of me that wants to respond to the majority of situations with a quiet firmness—not overreacting, not tumultuous, not aggressive or impatient.
I’m starting to love being a woman and loving all the sides of who God is slowly carving me into. The ultimate artist, so masterful, so intentional, so breathtaking, and everything He creates is a marvel!
Some of my thoughts after reading these scriptures knowing God is faithful, and the work He begins, He sees to completion:
This adventure of giving myself to the Lord shall be an incredible joy and a vibrant, rich, and glorious mosaic.
This next lifetime of watching my girls grow into beauties, leave me, and serve God will become my grandest honor (besides serving alongside my husband)! What a blessing my life will be to steward these present gifts and the eventual!
Let’s praise Him all of our days because of this!
May life and beauty rain down on you and your home, forever and ever, Amen.
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