Natural Beauty

"You look mahvalous!!!" Absolutely Mahvalous! (Spoken with a thick New York city accent)

These quotes made famous by Billy Crystal are now over 20 years old.

It seems as though beauty, true intrinsic beauty, is often lost in the quagmire of society's infatuation with outward looks. I love the scripture that speaks of God's focus when viewing His creation. Your heart is infinitely more valued than any other bodily attribute.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The

LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD

looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV)

David, the shepherd boy and youngest of his family was chosen king over his older siblings. The things most everyone else viewed as important:

* first born

* physical strength

* chiseled facial features

* intellect

* influence

* height or weight

were the least important things in the heart and mind of God. You see, God always measures the heart of a person, not their bodily measurements, award winning smile, perfectedly coiffed hair, or any other superficial feature.

A couple weeks ago we were out on a walk and came across this natural beauty formed out of dripping water, frigid air, and gravity. Artistry is God's. Creativity is God's. Beauty making is God's.

Yet, so often, we are told that we are not enough. The culture and personal enhancement companies selling the latest greatest products barrage us with a message. [In order to be somebody, you need our products.] Things like cosmetics, extensions, implants, growth hormones, tucks, tanning salons, and on and on are foisted upon us with reckless fervor. An aside: What we spend on these things could wipe out poverty like right now!

Just in the last couple days a voice of common sense has risen out of the chaos. It should have occurred about 50+ years ago. Mattel has begun to make the "Barbie doll" actually respresent the common population. Bout Time!

When you finish reading this post, go to the nearest mirror and look intently at yourself. I know this sounds hokie. But in all seriousness, you need to do this. Look into your own eyes and say, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God; I know this to be true. All my days were written into God's book before any of them came to be." (Adapted from Psalm 139:14, 16) Your physical visible looks are something given you by God. Accept your looks as a gift and then, if you're brave enough, say "You look Mahvalous!" *giggle a little as you say it. *it is the truth.