you are beautiful...
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at a molecular and cellular level you are a marvel. your body is simultaneously a work of art and an unfathomable complex machine. most importantly it is a vessel for your spirit.
the existence of billions of other humans does not dim the miracle of your life; it confirms it.
beauty is not a matter of opinion but rather a fact. its an intrinsic component, part of what makes something what it is. it radiates independent of outward appraisal, it cannot be measured by a ruler or scale.
if something is beautiful, it is beautiful whether it is noticed or not. sometimes we want people to notice... don't worry, its human too. its not vain to believe you are beautiful. know it with conviction, learn to identify it. not only in yourself but in others as well.
CS Lewis in the Screw tape letters says this about our true identity...
...thousands of humans have been brought to think that humility means pretty women trying to believe they are ugly and clever men trying to believe they are fools...
...what He wants is each man in the long run to be able to recognize all creatures ( even ourselves) as glorious and excellent things.
believe in their beauty as fiercely as your own and you will inevitably generate the attractiveness you inevitably long for; people will want to be around you because they will want to see themselves the way you see them.
from the time we are young... we are looking for the things that identify us. this is our path of discovery. we chose ways to accentuate our physical beauty and search for ways to outwardly express our identity.
this task belongs to you and no one else. we chose what we conceal, what we will reveal, and with whom we will share it with. we do this not only with our hearts but also with our bodies.
and so... while outwardly we may grow weary by the filth we discover in some choices;
the truth remains... that He made beauty from ashes.
the masterpiece alive inside you is just as much alive on the outside as well.
i say all this not to diminish or erase any bit of truth from the reality that we are far too easily persuaded to believe and see too much or too little in ourselves.
So may the choices we make always be made out of love,
may your beautiful feet carry you through trial and confusion, knowing when to lead and when to follow,
may your beautiful legs help you to firmly stand your ground,
may your beautiful knees bend in gratitude for your Savior,
may your beautiful belly be full of laughter, good food and plenty of drink that will make you well,
may your beautiful hands create works of righteousness.
may your beautiful shoulders grow strong enough to bear sorrow and hard work; soft enough to give and offer comfort and support.
may your mouth speak truth with kindness.
... and with your beautiful eyes.... see BEAUTY!
