Beyond the Mirror: Cultivating True Beauty
As a woman who’s seen a few decades grace my reflection, I’ve learned a profound truth: beauty isn’t confined to the surface. Cultivating true beauty truly starts first from within. Our culture, unfortunately, often fixates on external aesthetics, chasing fleeting trends and airbrushed ideals. As I often have to put my face in front of a camera, I certainly wish I could use all the filters so that I can disguise the wrinkles, the age spots – all the marks of aging. But from a Christian perspective, true beauty radiates from within, a reflection of the Spirit dwelling in us.
Scripture reminds us, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30). This scripture certainly isn’t to diminish the appreciation of physical beauty, a gift from God. Rather, it emphasizes the lasting and profound impact of inner character. I regularly see women in my studio who have a difficult time looking at themselves in the mirror. Instead of focusing on all God has created them to be, they are critical of every single “flaw”. And I strive to encourage and build up every single woman who sits in my chair. If only they would see themselves as God sees them – beautifully and wonderfully made.
Internal beauty blossoms through cultivating qualities like kindness, compassion, and wisdom. It comes from drawing on the fruit of the Spirit we who follow Jesus are promised: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control. It’s found in a heart that seeks to serve, a spirit that radiates joy, and a mind strengthened by faith. These are the treasures that age gracefully. Aging gracefully. Those are words my husband said to me several years ago as I was criticizing my image in a mirror and fretting about my ever changing body and looks.
Think of it as tending a garden. External beauty is like the flowers, lovely and vibrant, but susceptible to the seasons. Internal beauty is the root system, unseen but essential, providing stability and nourishment. It’s the strength of our character, the depth of our faith, and the richness of our relationships that truly define us.
As we navigate the pressures of societal expectations, can you take a minute to remember that beauty lies not in our appearance, but in our identity as a child of God. Let’s prioritize nurturing our souls, cultivating a spirit of grace, and reflecting the love of Christ. This is the beauty that truly shines, a light that illuminates the world around us.
Again ladies, remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
