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I totally Agree! Thank You for this Aabbie JamesA scriptural view of christian beauty standards: Scriptures tell us to not get caught up in the things of this world. We are in the world, not of the world. We are vessels of the Holy Spirit of God.
Believing and following the risen Christ, our walk with Jesus, is, above all else, what Almighty God commands, for Jesus is LORD and Savior. God loves His children, the followers of Christ, the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, who is beautiful and without flaw:
Christ looks at the hidden person of our hearts:
- Song of Solomon 4:7 - You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.
For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4 - Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom and gains understanding:
- Psalms 139:14 - I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
- Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Our ability to recognize beauty in someone else's face or figure has something godly in it. I even think this is one of the most precious gifts we received from God. No, we are not pure spirits, we are not angels - but this very flesh, which may be the sign of our sin, our doom or whatever, is one of the most admirable things we will ever see on this earth. Admiring it, and contemplating beautiful faces is something close to praying to me, as it allows the amazement we feel when we contemplate our Creation. Beauty will never be vain, nor this thread is to meBesides aren't we supposed to put the flesh to death?
I have never noticed myself more beautiful than when i had the first experience of being born again and became a new creation. That day i could see the glow on my face as though I was washed white as snow.
True, Ok I get that.Our ability to recognize beauty in someone else's face or figure has something godly in it. I even think this is one of the most precious gifts we received from God. No, we are not pure spirits, we are not angels - but this very flesh, which may be the sign of our sin, our doom or whatever, is one of the most admirable things we will ever see on this earth. Admiring it, and contemplating beautiful faces is something close to praying to me, as it allows the amazement we feel when we contemplate our Creation. Beauty will never be vain, nor this thread is to me
I happen to have surgery scars as well as a physical disabilities and when I saw some people speak about being too fat. Etc. How is that Biblical, yes I know it is fleshly sin to be overweight. I get that. It just seemed and I could be wrong, I beg your pardon. But it seemed to be more focused on the flesh.Why did you reference scars and physical disabilities if the flesh is of no consequence? Why call attention to something that is decaying?
What your opening statement suggests is that physical imperfections diminish ones beauty and that isn’t the aim of this thread. It is the recognition of your loveliness and God’s handiwork inside and out.
The Old Testament gives no examples of heavenly discrimination based on appearance. It makes a point of noting beauty in four women. Which given the whole suggests that physical beauty wasn’t commonplace or a focus.
The decaying of flesh could become a viable excuse for poor nutrition, movement, and the absence of self-care. I don’t think God wants us to fixate on our appearance but neglect is equally grievous. We’re His temples after all.
~Bella
Thank YouI didn’t restrict participation in this thread. I expected most comments would come from Christian singles and my goal was honesty.
While I didn’t challenge aesthetic preferences. I trusted both parties would have an opportunity to look beyond the obvious and go deeper.
My goal was realized in the Modesty thread.
While I am called to fashion design, I would like to go further than simple attire and leave a positive impact on my clientele and those I encounter.
If I can help someone recognize their beauty and celebrate the imperfections without shame. My desire to impart loveliness and nurture its presence within others will be fulfilled.
That requires more than pretty clothing or empty words. It takes someone speaking to the uncomfortable places within you and leading you towards the truth. One step at a time with gentleness and respect.
And maybe you’ll discover a few style and makeup tips along the way. That’s my aim.
~Bella
Still progressing nicely at 71 pounds lost!I'm happy to hear the Lord provided insight on your struggle and the discipline to address it. Congratulations on your weight loss! How are you progressing?
Thank you!God is opening your eyes and making you sensitive to your temple. It's a process and you're doing well. I'm glad to hear your husband supports the change and wish you continued success!
~Bella
Answering my own question...
What is your beauty standard?
I prefer a classic feminine style for myself. Tasteful makeup and jewelry with knee length skirts and dresses. I’m a fan of ballet flats and heels. I choose quality over trends and use color analysis for my attire. No tattoos or additional piercings save my ears. I keep my hair shoulder length or longer.
I like a similar look for men. A well-fitting suit or tailored slacks is fine with a neat haircut. No tats or piercings.
I have a calling to fashion and may be more exacting than most. That’s why. ;-)
What does healthy mean in your opinion?
I think it’s a mindset and lifestyle. For me, good nutrition, exercise, beauty treatments, proper rest and weight maintenance. I think it’s important to nurture your spirit and address emotional upsets too. I emphasize peace and joy in my lifestyle. That keeps things balanced.
Where are you struggling?
I’ve been home for a long time and it’s easy to take shortcuts when you’re not going to an office each day. I felt a prod within when I read Lessons from Madame Chic a few years ago. I finally reached the point where I wanted to change.
I started working on a capsule and purging the clothes I never wear (and never will again). I challenged myself to focus on skirts and dresses with light makeup for daily use. I tried a new skincare and beauty line in response. I’m heading in the right direction now.
How can you share what you’ve learned without judgment? Are you doing it now?
There are mixed feelings around this subject. But we all want to look our best and I like to encourage it when possible. I’m happy to share tips too.
If a woman is fat, I cannot be attracted to her. If she doesn't care about herself, why should I? Just a small amount of cardio every day would put a massive dent in America's massive obesity problem. And it wouldn't be a massive time commitment.
I hadn’t considered this but I can the same. I’m most attracted to the facial contrasts in gentlemen that I have myself. How uncanny.
I agree. Both are important. But I don’t believe we can neglect our physical form in deference to the inner. I want to honor the Lord inside out.
I’m sorry to hear that. Cold brewed coffee is less upsetting to the stomach. I make my own and use a ratio of 1 cup of coarse ground coffee to 3 cups of water. I let it sit for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. You can make it in a French press. The cleanup is easier.
That creates the concentrate. Some dilute with water. I don’t. It has more kick. ;-)
Thank you for the compliment. That’s the Lord’s doing. He’s given me a gift for communication and writing is part of it. I’m happy to hear you’ve enjoyed my thoughts.
Thank you for the compliment. Yes, I’m a writer. I journal on occasion too. What kind of writing do you enjoy?
~Bella
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