What is Beauty?
By Kimberly Chastain , MS, LMFT
www.kimberlychastain.com/parenting
How do you define beauty? How does the world define
beauty? Often, the world’s view of beauty in
a person is perfection. The perfect size __________,
you fill in the blank. The perfect face, hair, etc.
The world’s definition of beauty is often outward
appearance only. All of us at one time or another
think we do not measure up to the world’s view
of beauty. We all of have something we don’t
like about ourselves. We often may even say we are
ugly. Even, Princess Diana, one of the most photographed
women in the world did not think she was beautiful.
So, what is beauty? What is God’s definition
of beauty? I have often quoted Proverbs 31 to prove
that there were Christian Working Moms in the Bible.
I was rereading this passage again and a note in my
Bible stated, “Did you notice none of the descriptions
of the Proverbs 31 woman described physical beauty?”
That really caught my attention. The Proverbs 31 woman
is often given as an example of how Godly women should
live. Look at Proverbs 31:30, “Charm is deceitful
and beauty is vain, But a women who fears the Lord,
shall be praised.”
God’s definition of beauty talks about character
and qualities that have nothing to do with physical
beauty. Do you realize you can be beautiful without
a face-lift, makeover, weight loss, or any of the
other things the world tells us that makes us beautiful?
Do you spend as much time working on your inner beauty
as you do your outer beauty? 1 Peter 3:3-4 says: “And
let not your adornment be merely external –
braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting
on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the
heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and
quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”
So, what is beauty? Beauty is seeking God in everything
you do and reflecting his glory to others. God’s
glory reflected to others is far more beautiful than
anything the world can imagine. Begin to see yourself
as God sees you. He thinks you are beautiful just
the way you are right now. He loves you period, no
if, ands, or buts.
Now, I have a question for you as a parent. What
are you teaching your daughters and sons about beauty?
Are you teaching your daughter the importance of inner
beauty or outer beauty? Is your daughter learning
the world’s view of beauty that comes only in
one size or shape? Are you teaching her character
can be beautiful as well? What about your son? Are
you teaching him to look for girls who have character
and a deep abiding faith in God or are you reinforcing
a worldview that looks are everything? I think this
is a conversation we need to have both with our daughters
and sons.
Today, I encourage you to redefine beauty to include
your inner beauty as a child of God. Radiate that
beauty to everyone you see. Remember God all ready
thinks you are beautiful.
© 2005 Kimberly Chastain
About the Author
Kimberly Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working
Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
She was recently featured in the book the Myth of
the Perfect Mother. She is the author of “Help
My Preteen/Teenager is Driving Me Nuts!!!” To
purchase a copy of this e-book please visit www.kimberlychastain.com/parenting.
To schedule a free, initial coaching session send
an email to free@kimberlychastain.com
or visit http://www.christianworkingmom.com.
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