When I Feel Ugly...

I love the days when my hair is perfect (well almost perfect), my double chin is hiding and my crow's feet (laugh lines when I feel pretty) aren't so prominent. This isn't one of those days. Choosing my outfit today was like an episode of "What Not To Wear". The glaring difference was my scowling face as I put on each piece. At first glance, my closet looks as if it took a deep breath, exhaled, and the clothes burst forth like I feel my muffin top did over my pants.

Proverbs 31:30 says "beauty is fleeting..." I'm not quite sure that's my verse for today. Yet, verse after verse, the Bible assures me true beauty has nothing to do with outward appearance. My head understands this but my heart is a slow learner.

Lisa Bevere is quoted as saying, "I never thought I was a bully...until I listened to how I speak to myself. I think I owe myself an apology." Guilty! I often deflect a compliment quickly, convincing my admirer I am unworthy of her kind words. Instead of saying thank you, I immediately point out the flaws. Many of the women I love and think are fabulous struggle with this issue.  Do we think this is humility? Are we concerned we will be considered vain? God is never impressed with humility that undervalues His creation.

You are valuable.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Take every thought captive. Often when I try to take my thoughts captive, they wrestle like a WWE wrestler. Just when I think they are down, they slam me to the mat.

I am learning to look for the truth in a situation and question my thoughts. Not what I feel, but what I know. The Bible tells me my heart can be deceitful, therefore the truth may not be clearly obvious.

I ask:

1) What does the Bible say about me?

2) What do those whom I trust say about me?

3) If I were speaking to another woman, what advice would I give her?

Outward beauty can be fleeting. It will fade. Solomon gives great wardrobe advice in verse twenty-five, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future." Strength and dignity, an ensemble I want others to see when I come near.

Until we visit again,
Carmen







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