I need to hear the words “You’re beautiful” from a man, she said to me.
I hear this request fairly often and I get it…
Little girls grow up wanting to be told they’re lovely. Ladies take great security in their personhood by knowing they are seen as fertile and feminine. What’s wrong with that natural instinct?
The problem is that undoubtedly she had been told this by countless men…
And it wasn’t enough.
It’s not always right to follow your instinct. It will lead you astray many times. This is because instinct senses threat but not always the best recourse. (See a great Women’s Health article about this if you want to know when instinct can actually help)
The real issue of course wasn’t whether her beauty was in question.
The issue was something else.
Insecurity.
And more importantly the felt absence of security.
Maybe you too can relate today.
And if so, I ask you…
What will make you feel secure?
You know how to secure other valuables…
You keep jewelry, precious metals, and money secure in various investments…
Yes, they too have value…
But how much more do you and your loved ones have value?
It’s healthy to try to look your best but if you don’t hear those words you need to remember something…
You’re more than a human animal.
You were made in the very image of God.
And God says that infinitely more value belongs to a good woman and the same applies to men;
“She is more precious than rubies: nothing you desire compares with her.” Provers 3:15
You, sister or brother, have deep and pure value just for being God’s son or daughter. He chose to make you part of His beautiful creation.
So I have two directives for you.
First, to love others better than yourself as we learn in Phil 2:3, find someone that you care deeply about and make them feel secure in your love. Be a person of your word and live out that security for them…
Since without that intentional effort they may not know if your love is lasting.
And maybe they’re fishing around for compliments…just in case you ditch.
If possible, try to tell them about something else besides physical virtue that you value about them…..
And here’s the second thing to remember…
You.
Are.
Valuable.
And you will never lose your value.
Even if you argue back internally that you have scars, some physical and some emotional.
Things don’t work like they once did, your charm is fading, your biceps no longer full, your libido not strong, your stomach no longer flat,
You were made well.
You are intrinsically valuable.
You have unique contributions to make that will provide you and others with satisfaction.
So how can you let this message really sink in?
Some of you need to do this by focusing intently on it, others by praying, others by writing it out, others by listening to a great worship song….
Remember, you do have the power to change your thoughts, which will then influence your feelings…
So however you take it in, if you do nothing else this week, trust me on this important homework.
And even if you don’t hear it, let no man or woman rob you of the Truth of your value.
And let no one be entirely depended on for telling you what is already implicit in your creation.
Choose to believe it.
Then, and this is so important, step into that that confidence and live it out.
I can’t wait to cheer you on when I see you out there doing your best…
And that’s when your beauty is seen in full array!
Love Living Intentionally With You,
Christa
