Beauty

"Pretty as as pretty does, Sarah." I can still hear my parents repeating this firm admonition in response to any compliment on my appearance. A not so subtle reminder that outward appearances matter little compared to how you behave. That to give too much attention to outward appearances at the expense of developing your character is foolhardy indeed.  

So it is with this background that I approach my own daughter's fixation with all things outward. More specifically, clothes and physical beauty. I marvel at the capacity of a little one to recognize, appreciate, and long for things of beauty. At times I find this pursuit amusing, at times infuriating.  

As you grow Sophia I would like to emphasize two sayings on the subject of outward appearances. Borrowing from my mother, "Pretty as as pretty does," I would like to teach you that the way you treat others, the words you use, and the manner in which you carry yourself is a form of beauty. For what is of value is found in your heart. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."(1 Samuel 16:7). As you grow may you learn that your beauty is "that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:4). Even now your inward beauty shines as you kiss the "boo boos" of every person you come in contact with, sweetly touch every baby's head, sing to your brother when he is crying, and solicit family dance time after most evening meals.

 Now the second phrase needs a little grammatical help but the gist is this, "Pretty as as pretty is." Sophia, in this awkward phrase I hope you hear that your beauty is innate. You were chosen (Ephesians 1:4-5) and uniquely created by God (Psalm 139). Gifted with a purpose (Ephesians 2:10). As Mister Rogers says, "'You've made this day a special day by just your being you. There's no person in the whole world like you. And I like you just the way you are." Oh Sophia, I truly love you just the way you are! And even when you make a bad choice, you are not beyond God's redemptive grace (Romans 5:8; Psalm 103:11-12; Romans 8:39). For as you allow God to cultivate in you (Philippians 2:13) a pure heart, kind eyes, and accepting smile you will shine whether it be in rags or the most expensive Versace gown.

{edited and re-posted from the archives}

So, I spent about five minutes editing and re-posting this piece on beauty from the archives of our blog.  Will you join GypsyMama and write for 5 minutes on "beauty" today?