To Be Beautiful

In a world that places so much value on beauty, how is anyone able to stand out? I could be completely surrounded by the world's most attractive people and feel surrounded by an ugliness that can't be covered up by concealer and eyeliner. You see, the world has two definitions of beauty. There is the worldly beauty that describes how attractive or physically appealing someone appears to be. And then there's the inner beauty that attempts to describe the indescribable gloriousness and pulling magnetic strength of the soul.

As women, it's easy to fall into the daily struggle of trying to accept our appearances. We may be very pleased with how we look when we head out the door in the morning but then be afraid to look in the mirror when we return home. But spiritual beauty doesn't work like that. Spiritual beauty doesn't have to be seen (although it can be observed), but it is always felt.

For example, I felt beautiful when I spoon-fed my disabled uncle. I remember wishing in that moment that a potential dating partner would walk by me just then because I felt unbelievably beautiful. I don't remember what I wore or how I looked that day, but when I think back to that moment, I know I was beautiful – and I feel beautiful all over again just thinking about it.

I'm only 5' 2.5” (that half is important), but I remember holding my sister's hand as we walked across a parking lot and feeling ten feet tall. She has Down syndrome, and when I'm the one looking out for her, no one could feel taller than me (and not just because she's shorter than I am). When I'm by myself, I think about how I might defend myself, and all I can really do is hope for Divine intervention because I know I can't even intimidate the first graders I teach catechism to, let alone take down or frighten an abductor. But when I'm with my sister, I feel like I can do anything. I don't know how I would take down an attacker, but by golly, if David could take down Goliath, I can take down an attacker. I would find a way or die trying if anyone tried to hurt her. And that love for her makes me feel beautiful.

I'd rather my future husband see me for the first time sweaty and dirty because I'm helping someone than looking pretty while doing something of no value. I want to find someone who finds spiritual qualities beautiful rather than simply physical qualities.

One of the most attractive men that I know, I sometimes feel unattracted to while at the same time thinking about how much I care about him. Let me explain. A dating relationship should not be based on physical beauty, but it helps if you are attracted to your dating partner. This friend of mine looks better some days than others, but he is always beautiful to me because of his beautiful soul and wonderful personality. Even if I think he looks less-than-handsome, I am attracted to him because he is so good. He is a Godly man, loving and giving, and I can't imagine him ever being ugly – he's way too beautiful for that.

Beauty is about so much more than having a nice figure and nice hair. God is the most beautiful of all, and the Holy Spirit and the Father don't even have bodies!

From now on, try not to get caught up in the world's definition of beauty, but, rather, put all your effort into becoming God's definition of beautiful. Physical beauty is temporary, but spiritual beauty lasts forever.