Inner Beauty How-To’s {Be Styled with Alora}
by: Rachael Lee Stroud
http://rachaelleestroud.wordpress.com/
As young women, we all wake up in the morning wanting to look fabulous. While we are all naturally beautiful, we have a few secrets, don’t we? Our makeup “must haves”, our beauty “go-to’s”. I have my favorites…
Mineral powder…
Liquid eyeliner…
Waterproof mascara (because you just never know when I’ll cry)…
Fabulous lipstick…
Bronzer+Blush duo for that sunkissed glow…
Under eye concealer to help me look awake, even when I’m not…
We do all of these things in order to look just so. Why? Because it’s important to us. Looking great is of value to us, and it starts our day off with a glow and a positive attitude.
However, what are we supposed to think when we read 1 Peter 3:3-4?
“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.”
Don’t worry. This verse doesn’t mean that braiding your hair is sinful or that jewelry is evil. (Go on girls-let out your sigh of relief). It is simply saying that as women, we might spend hours doing our makeup, straightening our hair, and picking out the perfect outfit for date night. But how much effort are we putting into cultivating beauty for what’s inside?
Scripture tells us that outer beauty will fade. Eventually, our laughing will turn to laugh lines. Our dark hair will turn grey. Our fit bodies will grow tired and weak. God wants us to focus on what’s eternal. He wants you to strengthen the inner beauty.
I love looking fabulous as much as the next girl. This is NOT a post about giving up on makeup or throwing your hairbrush away. But maybe we should look at how we are spending our time and make sure that we are spending more time building the inside than we are on the outside.
Inner Beauty How-To’s:
-Keep a journal. I love journaling and writing my thoughts daily. This helps me to learn, grow and reflect. You can jot down thoughts and even prayers.
-Read, read, read. Learn to love reading. We are able to learn so much about ourselves, others, and the world around us when we enjoy reading.
-Study scripture. The reason I say study and not just read is because we should be thinking, soaking it in, asking questions, pondering, and meditating on it. I highlight in my bible. I underline. I choose a verse a day, write it down, carry it with me and memorize it. This has helped me to meditate on God’s word, have a deeper understanding for it, and in turn get closer to Him and get closer to who I truly am.
-Positive self-talk. Make a list of all the things you love about your inner qualities. Your talents, gifts, personality traits. Remember the importance of these things and how God may want you to use them.
-Mentors. If you don’t have a mentor, find one. Just someone who is a couple steps ahead of you in life…someone who is walking with God that is admirable to you. Have this woman hold you accountable. Meet up regularly. Having a mentor in your life can help you focus on God and focus on what’s really important.
You are beautifully made. Inside and out. Curl your hair, put on that red lipstick, but also remember that what’s in your heart & on your mind is far more valuable than any stick of eyeliner.
