D. Lyons' Blog

¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14, New King James Version)

Yesterday, one of my spiritual sisters presented a session on physical health during our Mosaic Women’s Meeting.  She spoke about how much emphasis we place on outward appearance, yet there is so much more to our overall system to be concerned with.  This made me think a lot about how often I hear women saying how fat they are or how skinny they would like to be.  Rarely, does someone say how well their bodies are functioning or how proper they are eliminating the toxic waste they are constantly exposed to. Who would think of that?  It even sounds boring.  Yet it is what matters most.

Women in America are overwhelmed by the media and a perception of beauty that does not specifically match them.  In most cases, it never will.

My biggest issue is how this affects young girls coming up – who are already in search of an identity.  Sure, at my age, I have already decided how I will look for the most part and could care less if it does not measure up to someone’s standards.  But there was a time when I did not feel that way.

Young men and women are searching for the “right” relationships and career.  Sometimes, their outward appearance is directly related to that search.  This is when others begin to define them.  This is where the emotional damage can start.  As a parent, I am always trying to reinforce that my son is beautiful as he is.  I discourage him from being so impressed with the trends set by others.  Instead, I want him to set his own.  Society as a whole is not so encouraging.

During my life transformation, I had to evolve to this point of awareness.  It began for me once I realized how unique and special I was on the inside (at the heart level).  My beauty is in my love of God and appreciation for how I was created in addition to my caring for others.   As long as I see it that way…that is all that matters.