Elegance - Part 2 - Beauty

B - Beauty

Someone has said, "The word 'beauty' is the most overused, misunderstood, poorly defined word in the English language."

Is it true that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"  OR, is it that the "Perception of beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"

For instance, different cultures throughout history have had their own perception of what was beautiful.

 








The Geisha with her bound feet

Neck Rings

 Lip Disks

 Face Paint

 Today, there are equally puzzling perceptions of beauty.

Excessively Thin 

 Piercings

Tattoos

So, how is our current perception of what is beautiful formed?  For the most part, Hollywood, the media, fashion designers, and style experts define beauty for us.  But is this enforced perception a true picture of true beauty?  It is believed by some that Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor were perhaps the most perfectly beautiful women in recent history.

 

If our current perception of beauty is being established by the celebrity world, then how in the world can we the ordinary, non-celebrity woman compete?  WE CAN'T!  This is why so many women have a negative opinion about themselves and feel they have to chase an illusion.  This is a false perception of beauty that doesn't even exist.

Beauty today, is portrayed as only for the young.  I for one, am using all the anti-aging products I can to smooth away the wrinkles. I carefully apply the latest products to create an even, toned complexion with just the right highlights and shadowing.  I'm doing all I can to defy my age.

But, as women, we must embrace the fact that true beauty does, and must transcend the decades as we age.  We are all familiar with truly beautiful women in every decade of life.  My mother for instance, never felt she was pretty and yet, she was truly one of the most beautiful people I have ever known and was her most beautiful at age 84.  She was an example of a true Godly woman.  She possessed charm, grace, elegance, compassion, humility, and a life of service, that made her truly God's Beautiful Lady.

So, how do we change the current perceptions, attitudes and behavior for our daughters and granddaughters?  We teach them that physical characteristics alone do not make a woman beautiful.

We have to re-define the perception of beauty and we do this by changing the role models from young Hollywood and fashion celebrities to women who are smart, vivacious, confident, and represent Godly virtues.  We distinguish and point out those women who are the reflection of the beauty of Christ.

We expose our daughters and granddaughters to women of all ages who have discernment, a generous spirit, a healthy dose of humor, and make the effort to cultivate other admirable qualities.

We teach them skills as appropriate regarding how to best enhance their God-given beauty regarding make-up and proper clothing for all situations.

We teach them that "Her beauty should not come from outward adornment, instead, it should be that of her inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."  1 Peter 3:2-5

The woman who possesses true beauty is confident because she is a Child of the King and her Father has called her by name.

Now, go out and be your beautiful self and have a great weekend.

I am linking up today with the following:

Imparting Grace

The Dedicated House

A Holy Experience

Common Ground

CiCi's Corner