free to be me, right?

"My chains are gone; I've been set free."

Yesterday at chapter, our chaplain brought up the topic of beauty. Not just any kind of beauty, but "Biblical Beauty"--the kinda that radiates from within instead of just sitting on the surface.

She cited numerous passages highlighting the precision of how uniquely specific God created females.

One passage that stood out to be above all the rest was one I've heard too many times to even think about-- Proverbs 31: 30- "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." She went on to say that the Hebrew word for "charm" literally means "bodily form"--powerful stuff, amiright? SooO00o: bodily form is deceptive and beauty is fleeting. [I don't think God could've made it any more clear- we, ladies, have got to let it go.]

Believe me, I'm not always the picture of perfection in this department. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I'm horrible but I also don't think I'm God's gift to the world, if ya catch my drift. I consider my self pretty "middle-of-the-road." Strong in some areas, weaker in others. Like everyone, right? WRONG-O(said in Grinch voice).

God designed each and every single one of us gals with intention (yes, I used the word I loathe, but I attempted to put it in context). Every one of us from bodacious babes and luscious ladies to the fearless females and brainy bombshells and every crevice in between. Wanna know the catch? We just have to recognize it.

Everyone's beauty comes in different shapes and sizes-much like their clothing. It makes no difference how many heads turn when you walk in a room (although I'll admit I wouldn't hate it)--it's about your inner beauty.

I've always believed this quote by Jacqueline Bisset to be true:

"Character contributes to beauty."

Proverbs 31: 10-31 paints a pretty impressive picture of a woman of noble character. My favorite passages are 15-18 (which I use as an example for my career-minded, goal oriented side) and 25-26 (which I believe to be a clever little rhyme to remind me how much integrity is valued).

I'm trying to make a conscious effort to recognize that I don't have to be a slave to oh so glamorous world of physical beauty-I still love nail polish, make-up, sparkles, ruffles, and all things magazine and sephora related-but I know where my value comes from, and I'm thankful God has set me free from a lifetime of attempting flawless perfection.

Side note: Listen to "Free to be Me" by Francesca Battistelli or "In This Skin" by J. Simp if you're ever looking for a lil girl power on the body image home front.