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Ever since our daughters were very young, my husband and I have emphasized the importance of inner beauty. Though they're now 13 and 11, they're still not that concerned about how their hair looks every time they go out or whether or not their outfit is just right (though one of them appears to be heading in that direction!)
Yet as women, it's often natural for us to want to look beautiful. And while making the best of our outside can be important, too, I want our girls to know what makes a woman truly beautiful.
The answer is not her makeup, hairstyle, or an expensive wardrobe. Anyone with a touch of good taste can dress up their outside. When I think of beautiful women I've known - like my mom and other Godly, Christian women - they share many of the same characteristics.
So what makes a woman beautiful?
It's her words, gentle and sweet, free of cursing, innuendo, or gossip.
It's her smile, friendly and genuine.
It's her eyes, connecting with mine, showing interest in me.
It's her expression, honest and open.
It's her ears, listening, taking in my conversation.
It's her hands, gently touching mine, patting my shoulder, folded in prayer.
It's her arms, wrapping me in a hug when I need it.
It's her feet, hurrying to help someone in need.
It's her spirit, tender and patient.
It's her heart, grateful and generous, free of selfishness and bitterness, full of love for God and others.
These are traits that make a woman beautiful. As I seek to teach my daughters this truth, may I access the strength of God to help me live beautifully before them.
What else do you think makes a woman beautiful?
Tracey, this post is so good! I didn't accept the Lord until I was 30, and the older I get and the more I grow in the Lord, my greatest regret is that I didn't accept the Lord as a child when the opportunity was given then and spent my entire life as a Christian! Such a better way of live! You are so wise to raise your girls in the knowledge of the Lord. Their lives will be so much richer for what you and your husband are putting into them today!
ReplyDeleteYes so much truth being said here :-) And you and your daughters are indeed so beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteAwww...you're so kind!! Hope your 2014 has gotten off to a good start!!
DeleteYour list is amazing and so true. It's something that I need to work on with my daughters, too.
ReplyDeleteLove these - esp. eyes connecting & genuine smile. Those are so big to me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic list. While we tell our daughters how pretty they are, we are starting to tell them how much we enjoy when they do something nice for others, or encourage, or help. We want to encourage them that even though it's not makeup or a pretty dress, that their actions speak louder than the prettiest gown.
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