Is that really YOU?

An average woman today has an extra something to enhance the way she looks: she either has an extended eyelash, filled in or well coloured plastic nails, boobs enhancer, bum enhancer, layers of foundation and makeup and of course hair extensions that are obviously not hers even though she did pay for it.  Men themselves don’t make it easier on the ladies as they too seem to seek out a media made woman with all the media made up looks and seem to now be disappointed when they get one with all these features only to find out that they look different the morning after.

Ladies too want a brother that looks like Morris Chestnut, walks like Omar Epps and talks like Boris Kodjo, we want a man who has game so we look for a man that has all this outward appearance the media suggests and now become hugely disappointed when few months down the line he isn’t the real deal.

In the world today, we all know that the outward appearance is what everyone emphasizes on and in my opinion I believe it’s because that is the first thing people notice. We hear again and again that you only have one chance at making a first impression and I have come to understand that some see this statement from an out ward appearance point of view neglecting the value of a true and Godly inner self.

 Jesus has urged us to be imitators of Christ and in my opinion, a person of value is who you are behind the designers regalia, the perfect makeup, gorgeous hair do, perfect lips, hips and fingertips, mortgage value handbags and tower high shoes, made to measure suits, perfectly carved hair cut or a smooth voice, nice wheels, flat or mates.  Though I myself is attached to some of the above mentioned and ensure I am up to date with my make-up and wardrobe essentials, I still believe that true beauty as a woman, is your value outside all this cover-up.

I have opportunities to talk to ladies about beauty and style and recently had an event where I showed ladies the tips and tricks of make-up and wardrobe essentials and I remember my husband wanted to be sure that after all said and done, the ladies and I knew the value of true beauty. I had written in my notes a lot about Queen Esther who happens to be my biblical role model and read how she was pampered in beauty therapy and rare perfumes for 12 whole months before going to audition for the crown of the Queen. I also understood from her story in the bible that she added value to her beauty by asking the keeper of the maidens what he taught was best to win the heart of the king and the bible records that Esther found favor in all who knew her. (Read the book of Esther)

We can put a price on external appearance but an inner self worthy of emulation is priceless. For a woman, the value of your beauty is measured around how people feel when they are around you, how much your husband values you, your children praise you, your neighbors have a smile when they see you, your church family always looks forward to seeing you and are thrilled to have a chat with you, your parents, siblings and family, extended or in-laws all have everything positive to say about you. ( Read the account of Ruth). True beauty is from the heart, mind and spirit, it is oneness with God. I have always prayed, worked hard and made sure I am not tagged as a beauty without brains!! I try to ensure that people’s first impression of me is not only about my outfit, hairdo or designer bag but also about my heart, my warmth and my intelligence.

I don’t personally find anything wrong in enhancing ones beauty with extra eyelash, nails, hair extensions or boob enhancers, I wear them now and again but what I find wrong is going through all this beauty processes and still coming out with a stinking attitude or behavior.(Read the account of Queen Vashti) I have a husband who has all the essential looks any woman would hope for however his heart with God was the most attractive thing about him which gave a great balance to his outward appearance.(Read the account of Daniel and David)

 I must admit that I have struggled to give the right first impressions sometimes because people just see you and sum up what they think they know about you and pre-judge you based on your looks however when I have an opportunity to show my value, my true beauty, I take it like my life depends on it because I need to show that the source of this beauty is Jesus. This reflects in my way of life undoubtedly as i strive everyday to be an imitator of Christ.

How do you express your true value? There are biblical based books out there that can help focus on what value we should have for today’s world, please read them, not neglecting historically true examples that can be found in the bible. Take opportunity to develop your intellectual knowledge, the bible does say that we should study to show ourselves approved.

DV Soul’s Finding You Series has a detailed biblical approach to finding the real you, please visit this site’s articles.

Does beauty mean something different to you? Let us know your thoughts by dropping a comment or two for us below.

Would you like to gain deeper insight about who you are, email us at walkwithme@dvsoul .org.uk