Teens

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Once in awhile a woman is recognized for the beauty of her spirit, though most often she is acclaimed for her outwardly "beautiful" appearance. Yet, what is beauty? Is it a woman's skin tone, the colors and shades of her makeup, the design and uniqueness of her style, the posture and air with which she carries herself, or the way in which she styles her hair?

In today's world, many young women face a challenge, whether it is self-imposed or imposed upon by others, to conform to a certain image and to portray a certain beauty. They feel that if they do not meet these standards, they are of little value and have failed to meet the mark of the world's approval. As a result, these beautiful creations starve themselves, self-depreciate themselves and commit various other actions of self- abuse. Along with harming themselves, young women become so focused on themselves that their spirit is starved. Obsessing over bodily appearance and human approval, they fail to love others and invest in the lives of those around them.

To me, this beauty they reach for does not seem true, for true beauty cannot be obtained through self-abuse, self-obsession and self-inflicted pain. True beauty shines brightest through a young woman's actions of love, the light in her eyes, the joy in her smile, the peace in her face, and the kindness in her voice.

Actions of love do not take place as a result of time spent in the tanning bed or on the treadmill. Eyes full of light and life cannot be gained by hours in front of the mirror or in a beauty salon. Joyful smiles do not root from vomiting or starvation. Peaceful faces do not come from time spent poring over beauty magazines or agonizing over bodily figure and weight. Voices of kindness cannot be obtained through selfish ambitions and self-obsession.

Celebrity shots on magazine covers, the latest movies, top TV shows, internet ads, and many other visual attractions around us show skinny women, whose tan-colored skin blends perfectly, whose makeup accentuates their hair or eyes, and whose body is usually scantily clad. Captions alongside these images or vocal opinions of these women’s appearance tell us this is what’s desired to create a truly beautiful woman. Yet these women are all the same, with the same attitudes and the same goal: to receive recognition and what they feel is love and admiration. How hurt these women must feel when their admirers leave as the sun’s first rays shine through the window. This false sense of beauty they feel does not last, fading with each departing lover.

Looking into the lives of women throughout history, we find ladies of courage, strength and passion, who captivated many men’s hearts. What was it that gained them this admiration? Their inner beauty that which shone through the spirit they exhibited towards life and fellow man.

Marks of true beauty are seen in those who invest in others lives and live selflessly and contently in the time and place God has assigned them.

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