Beauty VS Character

Society is teaching our young teens that their body and how they look on the outside is far more important than their character.

As a pre-teen, I think we were all obsessed with how big our boobs would be, and how our bodies looked as we grew into bras. We wanted to look thin and 'sexy' from age 13 and up into college. That hasn't changed 40+ years later!

Brands like Abercrombie and Fitch uses sex to sell their product. Topless males in their ads and in some cases, in their stores, and they don't offer plus size clothing assuring that only thin teens are wearing their brands. (Disclaimer: not a fan of this company and I urge all parents to avoid buying from them; otherwise you are assisting in their shameless marketing.)

Body image and self esteem issues haven't changed. We contribute to this by telling our little ones how pretty they are, suggesting it's importance. We all care about how we look and how others see us. Even at 59 years old, I want to look good in my chosen outfit for the day. However, I don't care enough to get reconstruction for others to feel comfortable; and even though I'm going flat, I still want to look attractive in my clothes and feel good about myself. What does that say about me?

It's hard to hide the drain tubes because they bulge out under my clothing, so I don't want to be seen in public until they're gone. Store security might detain me thinking I've shop lifted something! (This actually happened to me one time wearing a heart monitor)

We are all guilty of enjoying outward beauty in others and wanting to look our best. Now, I find myself in a place where my outward beauty has to take a back seat. Losing my TaTa's has forced me to reflect on my character. Am I all that God wants me to be? I know there's room for improvement there. I want my character to shine thru as beautiful.

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder," says that defining beauty can be difficult and not everyone will agree. However, God's words can lead us to discover what our individual meaning of beauty truly is and should be; that is to deter us from looking at physical appearance, for God looks at the heart in all people. Somehow, going flat is forcing me to find the real beauty in myself!

1 Peter 3:3-4