"I dreamed a dream"

This just made my night. I bet you all have heard about 47-year-old, Susan Boyle who took part in Britains Got Talent. She's not attractive, not married, never been kissed, took care of her sick mother for years. Everyone in the audience clearly expected a horrible performance. People were caught on camera literally rolling their eyes at her when she said she dreamed of being a professional singer. Even the judges were suppressing chuckles.

Then she sings the first bar of "I dreamed a dream," from the musical "Les Miserables." They are stunned. Quickly everyone changes their opinion of her. She has an amazing voice! I watched it and teared up.

What struck me as most impressive about Susan, besides her powerful singing ability, was that despite her less-than-glamorous appearance, she was confident and strong. There is an understated self-assurance that shines through in contrast to the outer appearance.

Don't judge a book by it's cover! Who am I to define beauty? If I can see a person as God sees them, THAT makes all the difference. You know, the people who have impacted my life the most are the ones who have seen me the way God has and believed in me.

Apperance

After reading someone’s blog, it seemed to me that many girls today are unhappy with the way they look. This got me thinking… Like it or not, we are bombarded with images of perfect-looking skinny models on the runway with great complexions, shinny hair and a perfect set of white teeth. We think beauty is the ticket to bliss.

Girls now don’t just dress up for guys but they dress up for other girls! I think that girls dress competitively. Feeling the need to show their worth. But this is a very furtile effort and will only serve to make one feel worse about themselves.

Believe me, I struggled through this. It is easy to feel insecure. However, look into your heart. Who do u truly desire to please? God made you just the way He wants you to be. Knitting each part together deliberately. (Psalm 139) Most importantly, beauty is from the heart and it only comes from a secure faith in God. “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 Enjoy what God has given you! Be content.

Rest in Christ, in His love, mercy and grace. Joyfully thank Him for everything! You will find true security- security that no gorgeous apperance can ever give.

Fearlessly Feminine

I have been made to think about a lot of things lately. God has been showing me and teaching me. It seems to me that I am now living in a world where the bizarre is applauded and the beautiful is ridiculed. I’ve seen the rapid demise of femininity.

You know being feminine doesn’t mean wearing old long dresses. Many ask themselves if femininity – and it’s enjoyment – really is passé. I’ve heard many describe modesty as ‘boring’ or ‘unattractive’. Seriously, what is it that have made people think this way? I believe one can be modest and actually fashionable too. For a long time women search for liberation, yet today we are more in bondage than ever. Slaves to the endless pursuit of physical perfection. Always striving to stay in style with the latest rave. Tiring isn’t it?

Modesty to me is a responsibility to behave and dress in a manner as to not draw attention to myself, not think proudly of myself and a decision to protect from unintended enticement. There however is a line in almost everything, where modesty can become absurdity too! The point isn’t to cover up every single bit of flesh. It doesn’t mean the longer your skirt is the holier you are. Even clothing too loose will work against a good testimony.

“I’ve called you to be royalty, My princess. You don’t have to conform to the wardrobe of this world to feel good about yourself. Remember, what you wear initially defines what people think about you. I want your wardrobe to honor Me. You don’t need to dress to get attention - I can make you more beautiful than any fashion designer because I specialize in internal and eternal makeovers. Your favor and beauty radiate because you are a reflection of Me. Keep in mind that those who design clothes to expose your body do not love your soul like I do. My love, let your wardrobe reveal my Spirit - not your flesh. So robe yourself today like the royalty you are.”

Love,Your King and your eternal beauty
(Taken from His Princess by Sherri Rose Shepherd, former Mrs. USA)

I’ve chat many a times with my girl friends about how ungentlemanly guys are nowadays but I never once really thought if I had actually rob men of the opportunity to exercise the protective, gentlemanly considerations native to their masculinity. How easily I’ve turned down their ways of serving without even thinking!

Well yes, outward femininity is extremely important. Yet, the topic of femininity definitely gets a little deeper and more complex when talking about having a spirit of femininity on the inside. Yet this is what my Heavenly Father talks about and what is “in His sight of great price”.