This young lady had always had an eye for fashion, and dressed in stylish, modest and feminine outfits. She had always looked well put together, with gorgeous hair and just enough make-up to highlight her natural beauty. Now, what a change. Her hair was cut in a new, harsh style. Her faddish clothing made no pretense at modesty. Her eyes were obscured by thick gobs of flashy make-up and heavy eye liner; they wore a new, restless expression.
That night, I remarked to Kyle that I had almost walked by this acquaintance without recognizing her. He then made a comment that took me totally by surprise. "All the light has gone out of her eyes," he said sadly. "She's lost her beauty."
Photo by Andrew Sisson
Now, to really understand the impact of his comment, you need to know that this young woman is, by any standard, a beautiful girl. Not just pretty, beautiful. She has a perfect figure and the kind of face you see in classy make-up advertisements. She's the kind of person who makes her clothes and hair look good, not the other way around. So why did my husband think that she had "lost her beauty?" Her physical attractions were just the same, in fact more prominently displayed, and yet he was disappointed. She had lost those intangible qualities which were her most attractive features.
I don't share this to be discouraging or critical, but to point out something that I hope will be encouraging; contrary to what our culture tells us, there are men who notice and treasure true beauty! The clear eyes of a good conscience. A modest femininity. A joyful smile. They won't get you the leering attention of every male you pass, but these rare and priceless qualities are noticed and appreciated by the kind of men that are worth impressing. They set you apart and make you stand out from the ordinary. They are intriguing, showing that there is more to you than what can be seen in a glance. They encourage and refresh.
So ladies, don't loose your beauty! Someone will be disappointed if you do.
10 comments:
Wow! How true. Thanks for the challenge.
Great reminder - something I needed to hear. I get pretty overwhelmed being at class and being so saturated in the world's standards of "beauty".
I really missed not getting a chance to meet you Sunday when you and Kyle came to VG. Hopefully I will get a chance sometime! :)
xx
Josie
I know what you're saying. I have a couple friends that have gone the same way, and it is very sad. My brother basically said the same thing Kyle did, and it wouldn't surprise me if some other guys thought the same way. It's a good reminder.
Faith
Oh, thank you *so* much for this.
you are such an encouragment.
I'm afraid I have a tendency to 'thick gobs of flashy make-up and heavy eye liner;"
*sigh* but along with those things comes a feeling of sensuality, that, though pleasing at the time--makes you later feel wasted.
So true about the attracting/impressing the men part. I have found that to be oh, so true.
keep posting!
Havie
Outstanding post, Gretchen. Thanks for the great reminder. *hugs*
Thank you for the wonderful encouragement, Gretchen!
You are a beautiful role model.
~SP
Thank you for the thoughtful post Gretchen.
It is always so saddening to me to look into the eyes of girls my age or younger and see that wasted, used up, look like they've already had "all of the fun" taken from them. Purity is priceless.
Blessings to you,
Abi K.
P.S. You are a good example of modesty. Keep up the good work!
Even more importantly, true inner beauty is pleasing to God, who doesn't look on mere outward appearances as men do.
Hi,
Would you mind if I downloaded this story to help me remeber this. It is so easy to slip into that type of girl when the world tells you that you look beautiful that way. But I don't want to be that way.
Certainly, you may print it off if you like. We ladies need encouraging reminders sometimes, don't we! - GJ
Post a Comment