Inner Beauty

When growing up, the quest to be beautiful and maintain beauty is always a constant struggle. Somehow in this generation were there has been a high importance placed on “beauty.” Being perceived as beautiful has become a priority. As teenagers we are constantly bombarded with imagery from TV, movies and music that tell the individual that if they do not dress, act, or even have a certain body type they have no hopes to be distinguished as beautiful. This constant exposure is the catalyst for the stress placed on both girls and boys. To them the statement “outward beauty is transient, but inner beauty is lasting” is seen as a cliché that is constantly used by their elders to instill them with confidence in themselves. Seldom do they realize that this so called “overused expression” is of monumental importance and should be considered one of the many laws of life. How many times have we looked in the mirror at our own faces and felt that we didn’t measure up to the current standards of beauty? When we finally turn away from our reflection we end up feeling disheartened. But why is this? The problem is many people let their outward beauty define them, and very few naturally let their inner beauty radiate. While it is true that outer beauty is the very first impression that someone gets when meeting you. It is the inner beauty that we all possess that makes the second and the lasting impression. It is this holistic beauty that is so real, honest and pure that reveals the intricate and complex contents of our souls that cannot be viewed, judged or predetermined by our “outward” complexion. “Do not let your adorning be external, the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear, but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”
This except from Peter 3:3-4 rings true we mask ourselves with material objects to enhance our outward beauty, since we’re scared that our inner