Beautiful You

When you looked in the mirror this morning, did you like what you saw?

Most of us see double chins, tiny wrinkles, ugly blemishes, spreading crow’s feet, dark circles under our eyes — the list goes on and on.

Truth is, we seldom look in a mirror unless we’re looking for a problem.

“Is my hair okay?”

“Do I need more lipstick?”

And the classic: “Does this dress make me look fat?”

What if you saw a woman who was uniquely created by God in His image? A woman who isn’t “better than” or “worse than” or in need of an overhaul. And one who is definitely happy. Because trust me, that’s what I see.

When I look at you, sitting out there in the third row at one of my presentations, when I see your upturned face, full of life, ready to laugh, I do not see wrinkles, blemishes, or double chins. I do not see figure flaws or flabby thighs. I see a beautiful woman. One who is radiantly alive, willing to learn, ready to grow, expectant, joy-filled, eager to embrace all that life has to offer.

You are something else!

That’s not me, you may say. I’m not in your third row. I’m here at home and I’m miserable and I hate my lumpy body, and radiant is not what I feel.

Understood.

What I’m talking about transcends feelings and moves into the realm of faith in order to become fact.

That radiant, alive woman is in you, even if you can’t see her yet. She was hiding in me for decades before I realized it, and she is in you now. And she wants out!

This month’s verse from Rise and Shine says it all.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Everything includes beautiful you (and all these splendid begonias). We’re talking “all things” (DRA), “the whole” (YLT) of God’s creation. The Hebrew word yā·p̄eh is translated “beautiful” or “handsome” or “comely,” but it’s also rendered “appropriate” or “fitting”. There’s a sense of rightness about it. Everything God made is “good” (DRA) and “suited” (CJB) to its purpose. It’s “beautiful in itself” (MSG), not in comparison to anyone or anything else.

What makes you beautiful is revealed “at the right time” (CEV) and “in its season” (YLT). I confess, I fretted over the last phrase. Is it “in its time” (NASB) or “in his time” (KJV)? Then I realized it doesn’t matter, because the end result is the same. His time is the right time. It’s the time. It’s your time.

The Lord created and defined beauty in our world. Surely He didn’t make lovely butterflies, exquisite flowers, and gorgeous sunsets, and leave out womankind, the crown of his creation!

By God’s design, women come in all shapes and sizes — large and small, short and tall. In every home, in every workplace, in every social setting, in every church, there are as many different sizes, shapes, colors, and characteristics as there are women.

Luci Swindoll once wrote, “When you love yourself and accept yourself for who you are, you have nothing left to prove.” So right. Each one of us is different, beloved. And those differences are good.

Lord Jesus, help me see myself as You do: beautifully made according to Your divine design. Forgive me for comparing myself to others and wishing I were different. Starting today, let me not only accept myself, but also accept others exactly as they are, knowing that they, too, were created in Your incomparable image.

This month’s post comes from the chapter “Mirror Image” in Rise and Shine. Another reader favorite is “Practically Perfect,” which offers the best way to start your day: “Simply stand in front of a mirror — fully dressed, of course — stretch out your arms with joy and say it like you mean it: ‘Ta-da!’”

For a fun reminder, I created Ta-da! Cards with vinyl clings that pop on your mirror (you can peel them off just as easily). This month, I have ten sets with ten cards each to give way – one for you, nine for your friends – going to ten beautiful winners!

Kindly leave a comment below. On Saturday, June 30 at 12:00noon EDT I’ll contact each winner by email to confirm a shipping address, then pop your Ta-da! Cards in the mail.

Have I mentioned how precious you are to me?

Your sister, Liz

P.S. Our July Facebook LIVE will be Sunday, July 1 at 2:00pm EDT, as together we open the pages of 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart.  And if you missed our June Facebook LIVE for Rise and Shine, you can watch it anytime!

P.P.S. Earlier this month my oncologist said these beautiful words: “No Evidence of Disease.” Praise God! Five intense rounds of radiation in March obliterated the cancer cells, and thanks to five rounds of immunotherapy since then, no other tumors have developed. Yay! I’ll continue with half-hour infusions every three weeks, just to keep me healthy. Very few side effects, no big deal. God is faithful and His mercies are new every morning. I’m beyond grateful for your prayers and support!

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