When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
Do you see a myriad of imperfections, screaming for attention? Or, do you see the complex, unique and stunning creature that God created to glorify Him? Few people see the latter. We often look to the media, rather the Bible, to find a definition for beauty. The Biblical view of worth and beauty, however, is
completely different from the world's perspective on the subject. When you look in the mirror, the media wants you to see an ugly duckling, in desperate need of the health and beauty products and services that they're trying to sell you. So, they set up a 'standard' for beauty that's nearly impossible to attain without their help.
During a church service, a few years ago, I saw a video was
both shocking and thought provoking. It was a production
video of a magazine cover shoot, sped up to show several
hours of work in just a few minutes. When the model first sat down, she looked like a totally normal person. A
pretty, but average, girl next door. She had a heart shaped
head, with big, pale blue eyes, a small chin, flat dirty blond
hair, freckles, moles, and imperfections. She was cute as a
button, but very thin. You might notice her, if you walked
past her in the mall, or you might not. A few people even
questioned how she could be a model. Others thought
that she was very pretty. But, if beauty is in the eye of the
beholder, which 'beholder's' opinion should carry more weight?
Often, the people who get paid to judge such things, seem like
the least qualified for the task. They insist that their ideal of
beauty is the one to which everyone should aspire. The goals
they set for, beauty, seem quite out of reach for most of us. I
would soon see why. As I watched the sped-up video, fingers
flew Over the girl's face like a swarm of bees. They began the
transformation by adding layer after layer of foundation to cover the freckles, moles and imperfections. Then a new
work of art was painted on the freshly blank canvass. She was
given highlights and heavy shadows, to create the illusion of a
smaller nose and thinner face. Then the artists added color to
replace the rosy cheeks they had covered up, being careful to
follow the new facial contour lines that they'd drawn. There
were multiple layers of shadow and liner for her eyes, to make
them look bigger. They also added false eyelashes and
generous hair extensions. It took hours to complete the look they were trying to achieve, resulting in a stunning transformation. She
looked SO different, still, you could almost recognize her. Then
came the actual the photo shoot, with all the proper lighting,
posture, and expressions, and that took hours. Of course, with
the lights being so hot, the model sweats profusely. The layers of
makeup melt and have to be reapplied.
Once all the pictures have been taken, and the lights were turned
off, each picture was evaluated, discarded, or chosen and digitally
"enhanced." Computer graphics artists can click and drag an
area of the face to change its appearance in any number of ways.
This young woman’s face was made even thinner and her chin
moved slightly, and enlarged, right before our eyes. The arch of
her eyebrows, which had already been meticulously plucked and
re-drawn, were now lifted and shifted even more. As I watched,
her eyes changed color and spread out, becoming larger and wider
set. Somehow, with this small, yet shocking adjustment, an
undefinable line had been crossed. There was an audible gasp
heard from the congregation. I heard a man near me whisper,
"She was fine just the way she was!" Her features kept
changing, until she bore no resemblance to the pretty
girl that had been photographed. It was like we had watched
them completely transform the young woman whose picture had
been taken. She became a different person entirely. And, it was
mind-bending to ponder the question, which girl is real, The
original, or this new person? By this time, there were several
women quietly crying. Maybe they were sad for the girl that
had disappeared under all that makeup and manipulation. Maybe
some even thought, if even she isn't pretty enough, what chance
have I got? It was fascinating and disturbing to witness the entire
process, from such a critical perspective.
The beauty industry paints a depressing portrait of unreachable
perfection. But, praise God, we don't have to view the world
(or ourselves) through such a stained and warped lens!
We are made in the image of God!
So, the next time you're standing in front of the mirror,
grumbling about the sorry creature in front of you, just try to
ask yourself a question. Is anything that I can see with my eyes, important, eternally? Then, ask God to help you see yourself,
the way that He sees you. Remember that He loves you, dearly.
God made you to be His holy temple, so that He could fill your
spirit with His glory and shine through you. He wants you to be
His definition of beautiful! Here are a few Bible verses to remember
and stick to the mirror:
"So, God created man in His own image...male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27.)
“...for man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7)
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13-14)
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(Jeremiah 29:11)
God has His own measure of what is beautiful!
"...How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)
"I appeal to you...Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Roman's 12:1-2)
So, when you're standing in the checkout line, suffocated by the walls of false
perfection that seem to be closing in on you, just close your eyes and breathe. Rather than
judge yourself too harshly in comparison, keep this article in mind. Remember, even the girl who’s picture was taken doesn’t look like the girl on the cover of the magazine. You could even feel sorry for her. With each new modeling contract she signs, she's reminded that it will take an army of makeup artists, lighting experts, professional photographers, an arsenal of cosmetics, and hours of computer re-touches to make her recorded image suitable for print. Don't allow the people who are judging her, to pass judgment over you.
Thank you for reading! I apologize for the odd line spacing. I'm still
figuring this out! I welcome appropriate comments, helpful suggestions and questions. You can also visit my ETSY SHOP to see some of my other
creative endeavors! www.etsy.com/shop/RebeccasJewelryBox
Or to find out a little bit more about what makes me tick
(and see some potential future blog topics) you can visit my Pinterest
page: http://www.pinterest.com/rebeccashelhart/
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