Music Monday: A More Beautiful You
She's only 6 years old, but every day I see her more and more affected by her peers to have the latest. I understand how she wants to fit in, especially at school, however, it breaks my heart to see her pressured so young. She's still so innocent, free spirited, and beautiful.
Which brings me to her relationship with her "BFF". There is a young girl just one year older, who rides the bus with her. Our families are great friends now, but these two girls fight more than they have fun, constantly criticizing the way each other looks. There is such a need to be "better" than one another that they miss the opportunity to encourage each other, love each other, and show their peers what friendship should and could be.
If only they can see that beauty is more than clothes and shoes. Beauty is within ourselves, a confidence that God gives us to be gentle, joyous, loving, patient, peaceful, good, faithful, self-controlling, and kind.
I think, as women, we all struggle with looks. Personally, it's been my weight since having children. I remember an incident with a good friend of mine after having my first child.
The laughter out of his mouth sticks in my brain, when he reassured me I wasn't a fat cow because of being a size 8 after giving birth. Boy do I need that encouragement now that I'm size 12 after two MORE children, but more than anything I need to remember that beauty is MORE than what number displays on my bathroom scale, the make-up I have on my face, or the shoes I don on my feet.
I struggle because of past mistakes, I've made in my marriage and bigger events that unfolded in the last year.
I struggle because it's hard to be confident in yourself when all you see is piles of laundry and dirty dishes all day.
I struggle because I can't fit into size 8 anymore.
I struggle because my hair is coarse and frizzy.
I struggle because, most days, I'm fighting with a 2 year old.
I struggle because I see so many beautiful women around me.
I struggle because I'm tired.
I struggle because life moves too fast.
I struggle because I forget that God has made all of us so perfect, in His image, for a bigger purpose. We can never fully understand just how wonderful His works are.
There could never be a more beautiful you and young mothers, especially, need to hear that. I know I do. So, on this crisp, Fall, Music Monday... Jonny Diaz reminds all of us just how beautiful we are.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)
From the album More Beautiful You
Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight
her body isn't fake And she's always felt overweight
Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care
your skin your body your hair
Are perfect just the way you are
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
Little girl twenty-one the things that you've already done Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but he's got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead
Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And he'll treat you like the jewel that you are
Chorus
So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forgets
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with his light he will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl
November 2, 2009 8:44 AM
This is a great post! :-)
November 2, 2009 11:02 AM
What an honest post. Good job!
November 2, 2009 11:25 AM
Awe, thanks girls. Have a beautiful week Mommas! :)
November 2, 2009 12:01 PM
You, my sweet Sara, are beautiful inside and out. Your kind spirit, gentle heart and compassion are beautiful enough but couple that with the sparkle in your eyes, your gorgeous smile and your fabulous hair- well, you are quite the package my friend!
I love that song! Great choice!
November 2, 2009 12:08 PM
First off, thanks for stopping over to my blog and commenting. Now I thought I was just being a good cyber-neighbor, but I really got a lot out of your post. I relate, of course, but have to say that besides the internal beauty you certainly possess, if that is indeed a picture of you on your profile, you're beautiful! What you said about the little friend of your daughter's really scares me, because it makes me anticipate pain ahead for my girl. I want to get over my own "issues" with respect to appearance so I can model them for her, but I'm not even close and running out of time.
November 2, 2009 12:16 PM
Melissa, you always have the perfect compliment waiting inside that heart of yours.. giving it at the perfect time. I love you sweet woman!
Kablooey, you're so sweet for the compliment. I feel like you sometimes seeing and anticipating pain ahead for my daughter. People can be so critical especially girls... and then High School? I'll be the first to say, I have a hard time modeling what beauty should be as I struggle with my own body issues. Thanks for stopping by!
November 2, 2009 5:11 PM
Great post and you DON'T struggle alone!!!
November 2, 2009 8:10 PM
I am so glad you were encouraged today by my post on mothering. Since you are deep in the trenches of it, I know you have moments when you are overwhelmed or frustrated!! Every mom does. It is such a demanding job. So I am grateful the Lord used the post to strengthen your heart and help you regain your spiritual equalibrum. Blessings.
November 2, 2009 8:10 PM
I am so glad you were encouraged today by my post on mothering. Since you are deep in the trenches of it, I know you have moments when you are overwhelmed or frustrated!! Every mom does. It is such a demanding job. So I am grateful the Lord used the post to strengthen your heart and help you regain your spiritual equalibrum. Blessings.
November 2, 2009 8:52 PM
My heart breaks as I anticipate what my daughter will endure too. I struggle right along with you--most of your post--I could have inserted my own name.
Thanks for sharing your heart. It truly does help to know that we are not alone in this crazy role--being a woman!
November 3, 2009 11:21 AM
Very good post! I think it is so sad that girls so young are being bombarded by societies idea of perfection!!
November 3, 2009 11:36 AM
What a beautifully written post! The psalm you chose is lovely and one of my favorites!
Smooches,
Sassy Chica