Our True Beauty
We live in the world. We are women. We feel the expectations and pressures to "keep up with ourselves" from what the world tells us. We want to feel beautiful and desired. We want to feel valued. And because we are women, we have a God-given ability to see beauty and to bring that beauty into the world, starting in the most intimate of places, our hearts. A woman's heart reflects a pureness and love that is admired and should be cared for.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
When we guard our hearts and our purity, we bring beauty to others. We give a glimpse of God’s holiness and goodness. This kind of true beauty is what the Lord wants for us. The world sees through dark glasses; its vision stops at the surface level. Dressing to show off our body only brings a temporary value and a surface level self-worth that is quick to leave. As Christians we understand this.
"Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel...not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness with good works." (1 Timothy 2:9-10)
"Do not let your adorning be external- the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear." (1 Peter 3:3)
Dressing modestly is of value. It enhances our inner beauty and doesn't focus on our body. When the focus is on our inner beauty, our heart, we will be desired and valued because of the substance of this beauty.
But, so often this teaching of humility and modesty leaves us with the impression that we cannot and should not give any attention toward our outward beauty. We think we shouldn't be interested in the clothes we wear or what’s in style. That our desire to want to feel beautiful is vanity, and any indulgence in this is when guilt sets in. But, this is simply not true; it is a lie from the enemy that God does not want good things for us, or that these concerns are too small for God to care about.
The truth is God cares about ALL parts of our heart. Every little bit. He loves that we get joy from putting things together that make us feel beautiful. He loves our creativity and how we use it for our own style that inspires others. There is no shame in loving and wanting to feel beautiful. God created beauty; he loves to see us inspired by it!
I see style and fashion as a language that we use to connect with other women. Putting effort into our style shows we know our value and that we are loved. We make a conscious decision each morning on what outfit we will put on for that day that reflects the beauty, personality, creativity, and purity of our hearts. We can be stylish, modest, and confident knowing that the Lord delights in our happiness!
CW: Gather Her is an evening of fashion and faith meant to refresh her through power messages, dinner, pampering and a time to share, create and grow with other dreamers and women of purpose.
There’s something special that happens when women who live on purpose gather around a dinner table. The conversations are life changing causing a shift in momentum in where we are going.
~ A movement ~ An awakening ~
That’s why Created Woman has designed a monthly gathering called CW: Gather Her for women who desire to and are living on purpose and for a purpose on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Arthouse Austin.
You’re invited to be refreshed, renewed and sharpened so that you can continue to be and become who you are created to be, run your race with endurance and show up well!
Pictures courtesy of Austin Art House and Leandra Blei Photography
About the author
Sarah's love for textures, colors, fabrics and all things style started at a young age and quickly became a passion. She received a Bachelors degree from Texas State University, majoring in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business Administration. With an eye for style, she is intrigued by everyday fashion and finds happiness through constantly re-decorating her home. She believes laughing is one of the best parts of life. Having those much needed long phone calls to mom is a close second. Lover of white fluffy couches. Finds comfort in coffee & candles. And blooms where she is planted. Sarah recently married her high school sweetheart Phillip, and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas