Mommy, You're Beautiful

Musings of a Mentor Mom

Houston Texans Tailgate Party in the Pouring Rain

2009

"Mommy, You're Beautiful

first published in the June 2002 edition

of the Hearts at Home Magazine

What do you think about when you flip through the pages of the current women's magazines?  You may be looking for decorating ideas or recipes, but I would bet that it is often the latest fashions and hairstyles that catch your eye.

Who do you notice while rushing through the mall on a quick errand with all of the children?  Do you notice the other moms in sweatpants and dirty t-shirts, or do you just take note of the businesswomen who seem to "have it all together"?

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

          Beautiful hair . . . styled by your one-year-old?

          Beautiful clothes . . . covered with baby burp?

          Beautiful eyes . . . surrounded by dark circles?

          Beautiful fingers . . . with nails painted by your six-year-old?

Why do so many stay-at-home moms so often see only the flaws in themselves, rather than the beauty of a godly woman?

I believe that we need to take a look at God's definition of a beautiful woman, rather than the world's definition.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes."  (1 Peter 3:3)

What exactly does this verse mean?  Some people believe that Peter is telling Christians not to braid their hair, wear gold jewelry, or wear fine clothing.  However, I believe that Peter is just telling us not to focus on these things as the essence of beauty.  There is nothing wrong with beautiful hair, jewelry, or clothing as long as it doesn't become an overwhelming focus in our lives.  But if these things don't define beauty, what does?

"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 3:4)

Mother's Day in Leavenworth, WA

2011

Have you taken a look at your inner self recently?  How does it look?  Have you seen the "unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit?"  How do you respond to your children . . . with a quiet voice and gentleness?

Maybe you need to change your focus a bit.  How much time to you devote to developing a meek and quiet spirit, compared to the time spent on outward appearance?  How much time do you spend in prayer and Bible study, compared to time spent in front of your mirror and shopping at the mall (or online)?

God wants us to set aside time in our busy lives to develop the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.  This means we must spend time reading the Scriptures and seeking God for directions for our everyday lives.  Even when we may be a bit "rough around the edges" God can soften our edges with gentleness.

"For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful."  (1 Peter 3:5)

Do you want to follow the way of the holy women of the past?  By putting their hope in God, they shone with His radiant beauty.  Where is your hope?  Where is your focus?  I pray that as you put your hope in the living and Holy God, you will learn that:

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."  (Proverbs 31:30)

Next time you look through your women's magazines, thank the Lord that you don't have to spend so much time and money on beautiful hair and fine clothing.  And, next time you wander the mall, look into the eyes of the other hurried mothers and see if you can see the joy of the Lord shining through.  Don't compare yourself with the businesswoman . . . who actually may not "have it all together".  Just make sure that you "have it all together" on the inside.

And, when your child says, "Mommy, you're beautiful," don't look around the room and think, "Who, me?"  Just say, "Thanks, Lord."

Thanksgiving at Christian Renewal Center

2010

Oh how I miss my Big Kids . . . and their little voices, saying, "Mommy, You're Beautiful."