Last summer when I was finishing up my degree at UNLV, I was working part time at a tanning salon. Needless to say much of what I encountered were impatient, selfish women with their identity all wrapped up in their sex appeal. Women that have extreme standoff-ish outer beauty that is UNinviting at best.
But one afternoon a naturally beautiful woman walked in. I noticed her becuase her demeanor was gentle and she didn't look all done up. She was there to get a spray tan and had a funny request. "Do you have any trash bags? I need two of them for my legs." I got them for her and we became engaged in conversation.
Her heart was so loving, so soft. She revealed to me that she lost both of her legs 10 year ago in an accident. I would have never known that she had two fake legs. She was wearing skinny jeans and walked normally. She told me she was a model and ran a non-profit organization too. I was so blessed by her that day. I almosted wondered if she was not involved in her accident if her heart would not be that beautiful....would it be hard like so many young women today?
I grew up in southern California. I saw my first Cosmopolitan magazine when I was 11. Sadly, it made me obsessed with beauty. "Wanting to be beautiful" held me captive for many years. Endless wishing, striving, and wanting more than God gave me, never being satisfied and content.
One day I was reading the bible and came across the story of God's prophet Samuel. He was supposed to go to Jesse's house and find the next King of Isreal. Jesse had several sons and Samuel thought Eliab would be the chosen one. But here is what GOD said, "Do not look at his appearance or physical stature, because I have refused him! For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
That really brought peace and rest to my soul. What we value in our American culture is man made and GOD has refused it! How many times have I judged a woman or man made in the image of God by how they were dressed, how they looked or even how akward they act? We have no clue what goes on in a person's heart! It's pride. It's our ugly pride to ever think we are better than another person....physically, and even spiritually.
I have been set free to enjoy and be content with what God has given me. A healthy body, a sober mind, and a compassion for others. I pray a new trend would spring up...women who serve others and develop their inner beauty! As I continue to develop mine because I certainly have not arrived.
The last shall be first and the first shall be last.
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