A few Sundays ago, I overheard a conversation that prompted me to wonder—why don’t we enjoy who we are? Two teenage girls of two different ethnicities exchanged greetings at church. Then one of them admired the hair of the other young woman, proclaiming that she preferred to have hair like the other young lady.

 

As I looked on in admiration of the beautiful physical attributes of each of them, one African American, the other of Caucasian heritage, I couldn’t help but wonder why do we always see the beauty in others; but can’t see it in ourselves?

 

The beautiful afro on one sister was not more beautiful than the silky coils on the other sister. They were both very beautiful young women, living in two unique bodies and ethnicities, but the fact that one could not enjoy the hairstyles of the other made her feel as if she had been slighted. For years I used to be one of those girls looking on and admiring the beauty of every other girl, except me. I realized the reason that I didn’t feel beautiful within myself was because of all the critical comments about my features that I was bombarded with daily for years. It took a toll on my self-esteem and my ability to appreciate my own unique beauty.

 

In our society, pretty and beauty denotes better. But a pretty face, long hair, or a shapely body is not the truest reflection of any person. I have met some really pretty women who were more insecure about their appearance than I was. Then it hit me: beauty is from within. It doesn’t matter how many compliments we get from others, if we don’t believe that we are beautiful within.

 

I understand that I will never look like what some people perceive as a real beauty, but I have finally come to enjoy my own unique beauty—flaws and all. If we get really honest, we will be able to accept the fact that we are not supposed to be a reflection of anyone else except Jesus, in our own unique form. When we exhibit his love mixed with our unique internal beauty, then our real beauty will shine forth and be enjoyed by others, including us. And remember, not everyone will see your value because they are blind to it, but you are God’s treasure, so let the beautiful you be enjoyed by those who can appreciate you, but especially by him and you.

 

Prayer:

Father, for so long I was taught to hate the way I look. But I know that you have not created any ugly human beings, only the beautiful human race. Help us and me to enjoy the beautiful uniqueness that makes us individually valuable and precious. And when we hear a negative comment, help us cast it down as nothing more than a lie from the devil to steal our self-esteem and pit us against each other. We are fearfully and wonderfully made because we have been created in your image and likeness. Therefore, we are beautiful creatures in God’s blessed creation. Thank you for creating me beautiful in you and thank you for helping me to see and enjoy the beautiful you that lives in me. In the name of Jesus. Amen.