fearfully and wonderfully made

Reflecting again on the topics discussed at Ladies' night...



"For you created by inmost being; 
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful.
I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14)



"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)



"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and a quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (I Peter 3:3-4)


Funny how during this Lent season, abstaining from some idols reveals others... we try and try so much to take control of our lives so that we can be considered worthy for this world, especially when it comes to our outward beauty, believing in the lie that obtaining the perfect skin, perfect eyes, perfect lips, perfect height, perfect waist is what gives us acceptance and approval. We are bombarded everyday that we need to strive and live for perfection. No doubt I wrestle with this every morning, when I get ready for the day. What should I wear? Is my hair okay? Do I look trendy? Do I look fat? I wish it wasn't such an issue. It's debilitating feeling enslaved to this worldly idea that I need to look good in order to make it. I must daily remind myself that Christ has already fought and won this battle for me. "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the old ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin -- because anyone who has died has been set free from sin" (Romans 6:6). Thank you Jesus.

And when I see my little baby niece, it breaks my heart that she too will struggle with this same lie, and it'll probably be worse for her. So I pray that she will find her worth in Christ and not put her worth in how she looks or what she wears. May she and I both hold in our hearts that we were fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God to display the beautiful character of Jesus Christ. It is Your powerful Spirit that can bring upon the transformation of our minds and hearts so that instead of running after idols, we can chase after and strive for godliness -- "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).