Glossy hair, dewy skin, shimmering legs, highlighted locks, and illuminated cheekbones—we are obsessed with the ability to shine! Have you ever considered why? Does it make us look thinner, prettier, captivating and a little alluring perhaps? That extra shaft of light catches the eye and stops us in our tracks, enticing us take a second look. It’s beautiful.
But have you ever encountered someone who may not be stunning at first glance, but their beauty literally shines through and draws you in? There’s just something about their eyes/ smile/ laugh… they are timeless and warm in their beauty and the joy seems to eek out at every opportunity. Maybe you watch them go through a really tough season and still their light is steady and true. It’s mesmerizing. Their light is shining.
Let’s be honest, ladies, we’ve all heard the “beauty comes from within” euphemism and rolled our eyes, just slightly! We know that you can “dress her up but you can’t take her out” no matter how gorgeous she looks if she has a potty mouth. But the pressure for physical perfection is so unrealistic and obsessive—when deep down what we really long for is joy and peace, and for that to spill over to those around us. That’s beautiful, right?
We can try products and programs and nip and tuck and primp and plump, but at the end of the day, the only place where we find unfading beauty is in Jesus. The Light of the World.
So how on earth do we dig in and get serious about being light, shining His beauty around the place? It’s not by fixating on our appearance—we know that. It’s not by navel-gazing and listening to our “inner voice”, dwelling on our own shortcomings and imperfections. We are to look to Jesus, keep our eyes fixed on Him, immerse ourselves in the Word, and allow His Spirit to work in us and through us.
This light, this beauty is for real and it’s forever. No fading, growing out, or rubbing off. Light dispels darkness. Always. Go into a pitch-black room with a lit candle and everyone notices.
Jesus tells us that when we are His followers, WE shine as the light of the world, too. We carry His light, His love for all to see—and that, sweet friend, is the deepest beauty imaginable.
“This little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine”
(This article was published in NO COMPROMISE magazine’s Dec.2016 issue)
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
Loved this Laura! Thank you so much for sharing His love for us in your beautiful writings. Truly a blessing to me and others!
Oh thank you, Julienne! I so appreciate your encouragement— I’m glad you enjoyed this post 🙂 Blessing to you, friend!
What a beautiful piece…Thank you for sharing your heart and God’s Love…I feel very blessed to know you..
Krystyna— you are so sweet! Thank you for your encouragement— I’m glad you liked this post 🙂 Blessings to you!
Such a beautiful reflection! Thanks, Laura!
Thanks so much, Carlie… my absolute pleasure to share! Blessings to you 🙂
I love that Message translation, “Cultivate Inner Beauty.” and “The only place to find unfading beauty is Jesus.” That was such a great line. What a great post! We spend so much energy trying to look a certain way (usually a little more like someone else) when really we should be spending that energy trying to look more like Jesus. Thank you for the reminder!
Thanks so much Erin—you’re absolutely right, we waste SO much time focussing on the fru-fru when we only need to pursue Jesus! I appreciate your encouragement 🙂 Blessings to you!
Beautiful post!!!
Thanks for stopping by, Diane! Blessings 🙂
Such a great reminder!!
Thanks very much, Ashley—glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Blessings!
Well said! I know I need to be reminded of this regularly. It’s so easy to put emphasis on beauty that fades.
Thanks Hannah—I’m with you there. I think we all need reminding about the importance of eternal things…. Blessings to you 🙂
Very sweet and encouraging post. Makes me love our Savior all the more! I also love the 1 Peter verse so much because it shows that our inner heart is so much more precious to God than any physical appearance!
Thanks very much for stopping by, Dani—you are so kind 🙂 Oh how we need His Word to remind us what is truly important! Blessings to you!
Hi Laura, what a beautiful reminder of how we can truly shine. I absolutely loved this and will be sure to share it on social media to get your message (God’s message) out there.
Blessings to you!
I pray you keep shining!
Marva | SunSparkleShine
Marva—thank you so much for your lovely, encouraging words! I’m guessing from your website name that you are all about the “shine” 🙂 Blessings to you as you shine for Him!
This was such a great way to think about beauty! This perspective was awesome!! Love it!!
Thanks for stopping by, Melissa— I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! Blessings to you 🙂
I love how it only takes the tiniest of lights in the darkest of places to make a huge difference. Thanks for this, Laura! “Go into a pitch-black room with a lit candle and everyone notices.”
Thanks Lisa—and we get to be that light! Amazing 🙂 Thanks for stopping by… Blessings to you!
So very true, Laura! I notice Jesus’ shining grace in many older women who probably don’t feel outwardly beautiful anymore. Their godliness shines through and I think they are beautiful mentors, inside and out! Visiting from #sittingamongfriends
Hi Sarah—so very true. It’s a beautiful thing to see a woman shining from the inside, God working in them and through them! May we all aspire to be like these sweet ladies in our walk with Him. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂 Blessings!
Beautiful reminder of seeking eternal beauty in Him! It’s so easy to get caught up in “looking” good. But at the end of the day, His light is the one that doesn’t fade and is the one that shines brighter than any other. Thanks, Laura, for this sweet yet powerful burst of hope today! I love it when you join us at #MomentsofHope!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Thanks so much, Lori—it’s always my pleasure to join you! Loved sharing about the Light 🙂 Blessings to you!