We have been reading “Little House on the Prairie” as a family and enjoying it so much. This book has been a good reminder of the joy of family and the importance of hard work.
Ma shared a saying with her girls that really stuck out to me. Perhaps you’ve heard it before…
I think this saying speaks for itself – and what a great way to capture the nature of true beauty! We are made beautiful not by our physical appearance, the clothes that we wear, or the way we style ourselves. It is our actions, coming from our character, that make us most beautiful. Pretty is as pretty DOES!
Think of the characteristics of the people you love and admire the most. I think of…
Kind. Giving. Caring. Gentle. Funny. Smart. Honest. Courageous. Forgiving. Faithful.
I bet we are all thinking of someone who lifts us up and brings the best out of us. Friends who make us feel accepted and loved on our lowest days. A shoulder we can lean on that will be faithful and honest.
The Bible says –
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
Watch the world around you and what it celebrates. Is it celebrating beautiful character and a virtuous life, or “external adorning”? Someone can be physically attractive but lacking character and then what do they bring to the world? You can choose where you put your attention and what you celebrate.
I hope this comes as a reminder to invest in and focus on our true beauty and character, to love others well as we go about our days. Living a life marked with good character, kind action, fruitful living, being and doing our best ~ that is a life you will never regret. Let’s share light, love and goodness with the world around us!
I’m with Ma… Pretty IS as pretty DOES.
In Month 6 of my Unstoppable Year Course I talk to Arielle Estoria about Letting Go of Comparison and we unpack the truth that we hope all women can fully embrace…that we are all beautiful in our own completely unique and special way. Live the best image of God that only you have been given. When we are secure in our unique and beautiful identity we will SHINE.
Join us in the course where we can empower you with truths like this and equip you with tools from incredible teachers and storytellers like Arielle! Be beautiful you today!
