“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” (1 Peter 3:3–4).
In becoming a Christian I lost the self obsession of looks. That tells me vanity must be from the evil one. It has been a most freeing thing, praise be! If you must compare yourself to other women find someone of substance to model yourself after. Elisabeth Elliot, Evelyn Brand, Mother Teresa, Corrie Ten Boom, Joni Eareckson Tada to name just a few. The greatest beauty is a life of self-forgetfulness for the good of others in the name of Jesus.
It’s curious the main goal of beauty is to become attractive to men . Yet most men will tell you they don’t find makeup attractive: lipstick, eye shadow, facial colors, nail coloring — they’re off-putting. They want natural, authentic faces. And to go along with that they want someone they can have a conversation with and someone to share carefree fun and experiences. Someone they can admire with an ‘imperishable beauty’ that comes from within.
Finally we are all too wrapped up in minor things.
What we need is a good dose of exposure to real suffering, which we have not yet known. Perhaps visit a homeless encampment, a pediatric oncology ward, a war torn or third world country.
Jesus challenges us to be different than the world, to become more like Him everyday. The world is obsessed with frivolous things, things the Lord counts as rubbish. Follow Him where freedom, peace and truth abounds. Follow Him in a beautiful life of service.
AMEN. If you’ve got them, good looks fail. Heart, spirit, soul, love, respect, common sense, compassion, they only get stronger and more beautiful the more you use them.
People often malign millennials, but my adult kids in this age range don’t allow my grandchildren much access at all to electronic devices. I know this will become harder as they get older, but I hope it becomes a sweeping trend across the country.
Boy, Leigh, ME TOO!!!!! It's disgusting that parents are giving these kids WAY too much social media time. HEY, PARENTS, HOW ABOUT SPENDING MORE QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF USING THEIR PHONE AS A BABYSITTER!!!! BE A PARENT!!
The devil is alive and well who will steal kill and destroy God's creation. An artist carefully chooses the frame of the art work. It must NOT draw attention to it's self but enhance the art work. Your body is just the frame which enhances the God in you. This way it why the devil whispers in our ear the lies to keep us from giving our lives our to the ONE who created us, and experiencing a wonderful new life filled with LOVE. Jes sayin.
Such a lovely, affirming letter Sean. I forwarded it to my grand daughter who has a close group of girlfriends. Your words are sure to find a good home among them.
Thank you Sean! All young people need to read this. It’s not the outside - it’s what’s inside!!! We learn that if we live long enough. Sad to think teens suffer through the best years of their life worrying about their looks.I know I did- waste of time. I’m the One and only Me!! Lol! Too old to care about looking good anymore, just happy to be alive and grateful for every day.
I complimented an older woman (like me) on her T-shirt yesterday, it read “I’m not perfect, but I’m original”. That’s a lesson which definitely needs to be ingrained much earlier than late middle age!
Sean, my husband and I love you. Also, we are glad that we grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s. As retired teachers, we wish parents would do the following: 1. Don’t buy your child a cell phone until he or she can drive legally; 2. Talk to your child regularly, especially at the supper table; 3. Keep them off all social media until they are 18. Kids will squawk, but they will be mentally healthier. Sean, love to you, Jamie, Marigold, Otis Campbell, and Thelma Lou.
I so appreciate your kind words, I am positive good caring men are raised by beautiful and strong women. I just wish I could do something to stop being invisible...
I'm very glad I didn't grow up in this society, although way back when I was growing up, I had the typical adolescent girl insecurities - I was taller, very skinny, with acne, tiny boobs, etc. But then I grew up, fell in love with a man, and he fell in love with me. I thought he was handsome (he still is) and he thought I was beautiful (he still tells me so if I prompt him!). I discovered the benefits of being tall - you can see over everyone at parades. At 80, I still strive to look my best by taking care of myself and eating well. I know God doesn't make junk, so I'm trying to keep this old body going. You, young girl, whoever you are, are NOT junk. You will grow out of this phase, and with a strong faith in God, while thinking positively, you will realize that you are you, unique in God's eyes. Take care of yourself and think of others, and you will love yourself and others, who will reciprocate that love.
Sean, thank you for taking the time to uplift young girls and women who have been fed a lie that continues to perpetuate itself. Each of us are divinely made by a creator who thought we were very special. We are called to be different, and I am thankful Sean that you take the time to show us that in being different, we are beautiful in the sight of God.
Thank you Sean. Just what I needed to hear. So hard to remember but the “you-ness” in each of us is a precious jewel that is beyond brilliant when released. ⭐️ courage to all you beautiful authentic ladies.
There you go preaching again and every preacher needs to read this for their sermon for Sunday morning. I so wish you were preaching in my church! Thanks for a great message!
You nailed it, Sean and again brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for continuing to bring issues to light in an enlightened yet direct way. I’m sharing this one with my girls as it’s what I try to tell them everyday. I’m trying to be louder than what they are seeing and listening to every single day. Thank you!
I wish there had been someone 'there' when I was 11 or 12 years old to say these things to me. My mother once told me, "Nancy, you'll never be pretty, but you're smart and that will make up for it." Guess how that contributed to my self-image TO. THIS. DAY.
Thank you, Sean, for this column. I've shared it on Facebook and hope against hope that mothers everywhere share it with their own daughters. It's too late for me.
“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” (1 Peter 3:3–4).
In becoming a Christian I lost the self obsession of looks. That tells me vanity must be from the evil one. It has been a most freeing thing, praise be! If you must compare yourself to other women find someone of substance to model yourself after. Elisabeth Elliot, Evelyn Brand, Mother Teresa, Corrie Ten Boom, Joni Eareckson Tada to name just a few. The greatest beauty is a life of self-forgetfulness for the good of others in the name of Jesus.
It’s curious the main goal of beauty is to become attractive to men . Yet most men will tell you they don’t find makeup attractive: lipstick, eye shadow, facial colors, nail coloring — they’re off-putting. They want natural, authentic faces. And to go along with that they want someone they can have a conversation with and someone to share carefree fun and experiences. Someone they can admire with an ‘imperishable beauty’ that comes from within.
Finally we are all too wrapped up in minor things.
What we need is a good dose of exposure to real suffering, which we have not yet known. Perhaps visit a homeless encampment, a pediatric oncology ward, a war torn or third world country.
Jesus challenges us to be different than the world, to become more like Him everyday. The world is obsessed with frivolous things, things the Lord counts as rubbish. Follow Him where freedom, peace and truth abounds. Follow Him in a beautiful life of service.
Good stuff! Thanks for the post.
AMEN. If you’ve got them, good looks fail. Heart, spirit, soul, love, respect, common sense, compassion, they only get stronger and more beautiful the more you use them.
People often malign millennials, but my adult kids in this age range don’t allow my grandchildren much access at all to electronic devices. I know this will become harder as they get older, but I hope it becomes a sweeping trend across the country.
Boy, Leigh, ME TOO!!!!! It's disgusting that parents are giving these kids WAY too much social media time. HEY, PARENTS, HOW ABOUT SPENDING MORE QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF USING THEIR PHONE AS A BABYSITTER!!!! BE A PARENT!!
The devil is alive and well who will steal kill and destroy God's creation. An artist carefully chooses the frame of the art work. It must NOT draw attention to it's self but enhance the art work. Your body is just the frame which enhances the God in you. This way it why the devil whispers in our ear the lies to keep us from giving our lives our to the ONE who created us, and experiencing a wonderful new life filled with LOVE. Jes sayin.
Such a lovely, affirming letter Sean. I forwarded it to my grand daughter who has a close group of girlfriends. Your words are sure to find a good home among them.
David (new subscriber)
Good for you, David. A parent who pays attention to their kid. 👍. Need more like ya.
Sorry, I meant grandkid, David.
Thank you Sean! All young people need to read this. It’s not the outside - it’s what’s inside!!! We learn that if we live long enough. Sad to think teens suffer through the best years of their life worrying about their looks.I know I did- waste of time. I’m the One and only Me!! Lol! Too old to care about looking good anymore, just happy to be alive and grateful for every day.
I complimented an older woman (like me) on her T-shirt yesterday, it read “I’m not perfect, but I’m original”. That’s a lesson which definitely needs to be ingrained much earlier than late middle age!
Ditto!
Sean, my husband and I love you. Also, we are glad that we grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s. As retired teachers, we wish parents would do the following: 1. Don’t buy your child a cell phone until he or she can drive legally; 2. Talk to your child regularly, especially at the supper table; 3. Keep them off all social media until they are 18. Kids will squawk, but they will be mentally healthier. Sean, love to you, Jamie, Marigold, Otis Campbell, and Thelma Lou.
I so appreciate your kind words, I am positive good caring men are raised by beautiful and strong women. I just wish I could do something to stop being invisible...
Peace and Love to All from Birmingham 🙏♥️🌻
You are never invisible to God. He sees you. He loves you just as you are. He created you and He doesn’t make junk.
We see you. But most importantly, God sees you and He loves you. Have a great day, PMc
I'm very glad I didn't grow up in this society, although way back when I was growing up, I had the typical adolescent girl insecurities - I was taller, very skinny, with acne, tiny boobs, etc. But then I grew up, fell in love with a man, and he fell in love with me. I thought he was handsome (he still is) and he thought I was beautiful (he still tells me so if I prompt him!). I discovered the benefits of being tall - you can see over everyone at parades. At 80, I still strive to look my best by taking care of myself and eating well. I know God doesn't make junk, so I'm trying to keep this old body going. You, young girl, whoever you are, are NOT junk. You will grow out of this phase, and with a strong faith in God, while thinking positively, you will realize that you are you, unique in God's eyes. Take care of yourself and think of others, and you will love yourself and others, who will reciprocate that love.
Your empathy is a gift, Sean Dietrich. Where were you when I was a young girl?! Never too late to hear it though. Thank you, kind sir.
Sean, thank you for taking the time to uplift young girls and women who have been fed a lie that continues to perpetuate itself. Each of us are divinely made by a creator who thought we were very special. We are called to be different, and I am thankful Sean that you take the time to show us that in being different, we are beautiful in the sight of God.
Thank you Sean. Just what I needed to hear. So hard to remember but the “you-ness” in each of us is a precious jewel that is beyond brilliant when released. ⭐️ courage to all you beautiful authentic ladies.
There you go preaching again and every preacher needs to read this for their sermon for Sunday morning. I so wish you were preaching in my church! Thanks for a great message!
You nailed it, Sean and again brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for continuing to bring issues to light in an enlightened yet direct way. I’m sharing this one with my girls as it’s what I try to tell them everyday. I’m trying to be louder than what they are seeing and listening to every single day. Thank you!
I wish there had been someone 'there' when I was 11 or 12 years old to say these things to me. My mother once told me, "Nancy, you'll never be pretty, but you're smart and that will make up for it." Guess how that contributed to my self-image TO. THIS. DAY.
Thank you, Sean, for this column. I've shared it on Facebook and hope against hope that mothers everywhere share it with their own daughters. It's too late for me.
It’s never too late! Start believing it today! It’s true!
Amen! So well said.