A More Beautiful You

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3: 3-4

It was a Wednesday night at CSUSM in the fall. The class was Psychology of Women. I sat in a group with four other women and a man. Our desks formed a circle as we anxiously waited for instruction. When it finally came, we turned towards one another and began. What was the assignment? To share with our group what made us who we were.

I listened as all five shared religious beliefs, trials, hardships, occupations, hobbies, family situations and triumphs. Two were ex-military and parents. Two others had been through rehab before they were 18. One woman explained that she had been anorexic in the past and almost died. She was the only person who mentioned her body as a defining factor in who she was. And that's because it almost took her life.

Everyone needs a reminder every once in a while. We need to be reminded that we are more than the image we see in the mirror. It's not our bodies that define us--it's our hearts. It's how we respond to prejudices or life changes. It's how we adapt to new situations and the sacrifices we make for those we love. I've often been told I'm beautiful just the way I am. But it wasn't until I got married that I understood what that truly meant.

My husband always thinks I look beautiful. Even after I've cried. My face will be puffy, my nose will be red, and--on occasion--I'll have mascara streaking down my cheeks. But he doesn't look at me and see what I see. He sees so much more. Not everybody has a Kelly like I do to see them more clearly than they see themselves. That's why I'm writing this. To tell you it doesn't matter what anyone else's opinion of beauty is. God spent nine long months shaping every hair on your head. You're his creation and because of that, you're beautiful just the way you are.


My mom once said, "I need to listen to this song every morning before I start my day." It's Jonny Diaz's More Beautiful You. I think it says it best:

"You were made with such care--your skin, your body, and your hair are perfect just the way they 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!"


2012 is right around the corner. I challenge you to spend the year celebrating YOU. Celebrate the curves, gray hair, life experiences and wrinkles. Relax. Eat an extra piece of cake when you want to. Go on walks with old friends. Give. Laugh at yourself. Spend time with family. Sing even if you can't carry a tune. Make peace with God. Help those who need it. Use the fine china. Dress up. Take more adventures. Celebrate life. Love.