As we wait in line at the checkout, I look over all the magazine covers staring back at me. “Perfect makeover plan, best new hair looks, hottest beauty tips, best fat burners, flawless makeup.” All the tips and tricks you can imagine, displayed right there in front of me.
I start thinking about my curly, sometimes frizzier than I would like, hair. My less than latest outfit. My jeans that might seem just a bit tighter today. These magazines joyfully point out all our insecurities and display them loudly across these glossy covers, while promising ways to make us “better.” Ugh.
My heart hurts for each and every person who looks at these magazines and for one minute might think they need to be better than they are. That they need to be more than who God made them to be.
If only we could see beyond society’s idea of beauty. We are so much more than that! We are kind, funny, smart, loving, thoughtful, compassionate, extraordinary people. We are loved and treasured for who we are inside.
If only we could see ourselves through His eyes. No amount of makeup and hair products and fancy clothes a size smaller will make us beautiful. We are not defined by that kind of beauty. They got it all wrong. That is not what true beauty is about.
God made us beautiful from the inside out.
When your sister comes over upset and you are there to listen to her all night . . . that is true beauty.
When your friend is down and you make them laugh . . . that is true beauty.
When you have been asked the same question 10 times, yet you take the time to answer it once more . . . that is true beauty.
When you get down on your knees and pray for others . . . that is true beauty.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be 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 3:3-4)
I hope we can stop focusing on just looking more beautiful on the outside and make sure we are beautiful on the inside. Love ourselves for who God made us to be, exactly as we are at this moment. See other people for who God made them to be. We are His masterpiece.
I have a challenge for all of us . . .
It’s easy to compliment outer beauty, but what about inner beauty?
Don’t be shy about it. When you see it in someone, say something. Appreciate that amazing inner beauty and make sure she knows you see it! And if you want to start by complimenting someone’s inner beauty in the comments, we would love to hear it!
Written with love from Jennifer, StudioJRU.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
I’m thankful for this lovely community with its daily gift of words that point my heart toward beautiful truth. Thanks, Jennifer, for speaking out against the endless messages that tear us down in our own eyes.
Sadie says
I’m ditto on this message Michelle!! What a sincere post and timely as January shouts out to the unpretty everywhere we go! We are made to shine.. in His radiant light:) blessings today gals
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I love knowing He made us to shine! Thank you for being part of our community here, Sadie. We are grateful for you.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Aww… we are so grateful that you are part of this community, Michele. It is a beautiful thing to learn from one another and love on one another and uplift one another here.
Kristen says
Thank you Jennifer for this timely piece. It’s so hard to remember the truth when those distractions from true beauty are all around. I needed a change in perspective.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Those distractions sure try to pull us in don’t they, Kristen. Grateful we can help one another change our perspective so that doesn’t happen!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
I love how YOUR inner beauty comes out in the magnificent works or art that you produce. You use your giftedness, by God’s own hand, to glorify Him. You look upon other people’s souls and what they struggle with and you give them art that reminds them that they are loved, that they can have peace, that they are enough just as they are. Your beautiful heart flows through your hand out onto the canvas to create something that is such a beautiful reflection of His love. I don’t care if your hair is frizzy or your outfit wouldn’t be on the cover of Vogue….your heart is simply beautiful. YOU are a work of art!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Debra says
Bev – wow – just – wow – I LOVE how you have used the metaphor of beauty as art on canvas which is a reflection of His LOVE – very meaningful for me at a critical juncture in my life – I echo the words that you have gifted Jennifer – seeing HER for who God has made HER – His masterpiece!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you, Debra. We sure can extend a gift when we see one another for who God made us. Always remember, you are His masterpiece!
Kathleen K. says
Bev,
You are beautiful inside and out. Your precious, sweet spirit and kind words, encourages so many people. I pray you see the beauty that we see in you.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen to that, Kathleen!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Thanks Kathy….your words TRULY bless me!!
Bev xo
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh Bev, thank you so much for your thoughtful words. I certainly try to reflect His love through my art and it means so much to know that is seen. Thank you for your encouragement. You lift me up and I am grateful.
Little Mary says
Rebecca, if you read this, I want you to know: I was very impressed yesterday* to see how you encouraged someone else and prayed for her even though you are yourself in a difficult health situation. That is true beauty! 🙂
* https://aws.incourage.me/2018/01/life-is-hard-2.html#comment-228112
Jennifer Studio JRU says
That is a precious gift you have extended to Rebecca, Little Mary. So beautiful to hear such encouragement. Thank you for seeing it and saying it!
Jessica says
After surviving a tornado hitting our street followed by floodwaters stranding us all in our homes for 8 days… I got to know my neighbor gals better than most neighbors ever know each other these days! I live in a neighborhood of women that are resilient, strong and kind. God blessed me ABUNDANTLY with these neighbors and their loving hearts!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
What a blessing out of such a terrible circumstance, Jessica. That is amazing how you could find the good through a horrible experience. Thank you for sharing!
Adria Wilkins says
Awesome story. It reminds me we can compliment someone on their internal beauty just as much as the outward. It will have more impact when we speak about their inner beauty. They will probably remember that for the rest of their lives.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Yes! I believe you are right, Adria. I think complimenting inner beauty means so much more and will stay with anyone longer!
Maija Jokinen says
Thanks, Jennifer. This is still a much needed topic to write about. I have discovered that only after I felt that I lost my “perfect outer appearance” I have began to understand that I have always relied on my outer appearance to be beautiful. Now I start to realise that it isn’t about my body but my soul (or spirit, whatever :D). God is softening my heart on this topic more and more.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Maija. I love that He is softening your heart on this topic. I can imagine what a beautiful soul you have to show!
Teresa says
As someone who struggles with self esteem more since being in my 50’s I want to say thank you for a very timely reminder and for the sheer beauty of your words which in themselves showed how truly beautiful you are!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Teresa, what a thoughtful compliment. Thank you so much. I hope you take these words to heart. I know you have such an amazing inner beauty. I know this because of how thoughtful your comment was!
Mary Geisen says
Jennifer-
Your words came at the perfect time. A new year always seems to call us to change something about ourselves in the form of a resolution. Many times our goal has to do with our appearance.
I am learning to lay down what I believe about myself and embrace the truth that God says about me. Your encouragement today helps in that process. Thank you for always pointing others to God through your words and your gift of art. Happy weekend!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
A new year really does do that, doesn’t it, Mary?! I love hearing you are embracing the truth that God says about you. Now that is a goal we can all happily be part of! Thank you!
Brenda says
Love this. ♥ To my friend, K, who is so good at offering kindness and grace, I see you…and you’re beautiful.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Beautiful! K is blessed to have such an uplifting and encouraging friend, Brenda!
Joyce Ford says
Last evening , I received from my “embraced daughter”, the most highest and beautiful compliments I have ever had. I was so moved, it showed me a mere glimpse of how much Abba loves us.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Aww… that is so moving, Joyce. It warms my heart to know she showed you such love in that way.
Joyce Ford says
Continued from previous comment: She is actually the from the inside out Beautiful creation of Abba. I couldn’t be more blessed, by having her in my life. Thank you, Jennifer for this amazing tender post.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
And from you words, I can see that she is also blessed to have you in her life, Joyce!
Cindy says
I have struggled with self esteem for years always feeling less than beautiful, physically. And those magazines at the check out line sure don’t help. My precious husband has always been amazing though and has never contributed to my insecurities whatsoever. Ironically a real life beauty queen pageant winner works in his office and the enemy loves to use her to make me feel even worse about myself! Ugh! However, lately God has been showing me through prayer, devotions, church and forums such as this that outward beauty is NOT what matters most! Thank you for reminding me that we all are His masterpieces and our true beauty comes from the inside, how we love and serve and care for one another! It’s a lesson I’m learning more and more each day! I have a wonderful friend (her name is Pauline) who has been there for me during my darkest hours. She would do anything for anyone no matter what they ask! But the sad part is she isn’t a believer. So I pray for her daily! Such a beautiful spirit and heart but ultimately lost. May God show Pauline how much she needs Jesus and that she too is His masterpiece! Thanks again for your beautiful post today!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Cindy. You beautifully shared an experience that so many of us can relate to. And then you reminded us how to work to overcome it! I am so happy to know you have a husband that lifts you and does not bring you down. That is such a blessing. I will join you in prayer for Pauline! She is blessed to have you as a friend.
Penny says
Jennifer,
I so much appreciate reading your heartfelt words this morning, thank-you so much for them. Most of us haven’t a clue what the other looks like on here which doesn’t matter because I can see the beauty in you all by reading your words.
Blessings to all,
Penny
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Yes, Penny! I just love that fact too! And I see the beauty in you by reading your words!
Cindy says
What a beautiful message. Earlier today, I was waiting my turn for a young technician to take me to a room for X-rays. She had escorted an elderly woman back into the changing room, where I was waiting. I watched as she helped her change back into her clothing, and zipped up her outer garments and placed a scarf around her neck. She then walked her back into the main waiting room, assisting her by holding her arm, supporting her. When the young woman returned to the room and called my name to walk me down to X-ray, I told her that what she had done was lovely. Not only had she done something so caring for another human being, but she had put a smile on my face, and in my heart. It costs nothing to pay someone a compliment. I saw true beauty in what she had done.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh Cindy, good for you!! My heart is so happy to hear that you took a moment to let her know you saw the true beauty in her actions. I can just imagine what that meant for her to hear. Thank you so much for sharing! Bless you!
Tyra says
This calls to mind the inner beauty of the woman who used to head the ministry I am now the director of. She possessed a gentle and quiet spirit. She was an amazing listener and these endearing traits makes her beautful in my sight because it is a reflection of Jesus’ grace in action in her life. Just watching her caused me to become more self-aware.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
She sounds just beautiful, Tyra! I love when we are aware of beautiful people like that, it can change us.
Beth Williams says
Jennifer
I second Bev’s comments above. You have true inner beauty that shows in your art. My in-laws were in the hospital Thanksgiving week & have had medical issues continuing. They were back in the hospital this week. My shout out goes to Biltmore Baptist church & their pastor. They have supplied meals continually for my in-laws. One couple stayed with my in-laws on thanksgiving day-they were in different hospitals-so they wouldn’t be alone. That group of people has truly shown God’s love to my in-laws. They are beautiful inside & out!!
Blessings 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you, Beth. I really appreciate those words. Please know I am praying for your in-laws. What a beautiful example of His great love made by all those people during such a difficult time. I can just imagine how happy they make God!
Kim B Smith says
I really do practice this, complimenting not just the outside but really diving in to give praise for inner beauty in others.
Rebecca L Jones says
On your knees praying for someone, beautiful. I’m glad women are finally realizing inner beauty in Jesus, something the enemy would steal if he could, he wants us not to believe in it.
Milagros says
Lovely and inspiring post, Jennifer. I’m thankful to have a friend in my life who takes the time to point out my inner beauty. It’s much needed as I see myself inexorably moving into middle age and not matching up to the image of beauty portrayed in our culture and the society we live in. I’m thankful for God’s deep love that speaks peace and acceptance for me, no matter how I look or feel. Praise God!
Elizabeth says
Dear me, I feel I am a taker, not a giver – I gain so much every day from this great community, this sisterhood of believers. Some with the most unimaginable burdens, some glowing with new achievements by themselves or family, but each one radiant with unshakeable faith.
I may not post every day, but believe me I give thanks every day, and pray, for all of you – you lighten my life.
Thank you all.
Elizabeth.