Beauty Beyond The Mirror

I'm sure many have wondered why there is so much pressure for women of all ages to look skinny. Every girl goes through self-esteem issues. The idea that skinny is beauty is a big stereotype that's constantly being advertised left, right and centre. All the diets tell us, models and celebrities 'prove it' to us, the world constantly tells us, even friends and family can sometimes tell us and make us feel that skinny people are more attractive than those with curvy figures. How is this suppose to help the larger woman of the world feel beautiful? It encourages the mindset that until we are petite and tiny, we aren't labelled as beautiful. It makes us feel like we don't fit the beauty criteria, and therefore are not beautiful. I am a curvy 17 year-old and I am guilty of thinking this way. I'm not as skinny as the girl next door, but should I let that determine my self worth and beauty? Absolutely not and you shouldn't either. 

This is a shout out to all the beautiful women of the world! Don't let the number on your bathroom scales determine the way you think about yourself. Each one of us is a UNIQUE! AND BEAUTIFUL! human being that God created in His image. I use to wonder, if God had made me trimmer or more beautiful, I would be able to do things for Him better because I would be able to step out in confidence. This is not only a big, fat lie but doubts God sovereignty over His creation in us. Thinking this way can become a habit that holds us back and keeps us from doing what we are capable of. God doesn't want that. God loves you girls, He seriously loves you with an insane love that we can't even comprehend!, and what we look like doesn't change that. 

The verse that we created Unfading Elegance with is 1 Peter 3:3-4. Here is is again: 

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (NKJV) 

This verse shows that God defines beauty as what our heart is like. I'm positive He didn't create us to be self conscious all the time. I'm not saying to completely let yourself go and not brush your hair or teeth or wear nice clothes.  I like to always look presentable, but try not to place value on my appearance, label it as important or take priority in my life. It's been a process, but I've now found peace in knowing that I am God's daughter and He loves me, pimples and all! I'm resisting the pressure of always trying to look thin. Curvy figures run in both sides of my family and I don't think it's anything to be ashamed about. I still try to be healthy and I think that's where the line is drawn. Being skinny and being healthy are two very different things. 

Please don't be drawn in to believing or thinking that beauty looks a certain way. Weight and dress sizes don't have a right to determine who you are or what you're capable of. I encourage all who are struggling with self-esteem issues to try and grasp and don't let go of the truth of God's Word and to find peace in the knowledge that you are beautiful, no matter how you look or what your dress size is. Walk with confidence and joy! Be happy in your skin :) 

God bless!! 

~ Taleisha