When did this become more attractive...

Recently, I've noticed a disturbing trend on social media. It's the when did this become more attractive trend. I'm refraining from posting the pictures because, honestly, I just don't want them associated with my blog, but they're disturbing.

It started with pictures of some of today's super thin models set in stark contrast to older, pin-up type pictures in which the models are curvier. As someone who has ALWAYS had more curves (even when I was younger and way thinner), at first, I was comforted.

Yeah! Curvy is totally beautiful.

But then I saw my daughter's reaction to those pictures, as well as the ones that talked about someone preferring to cuddle with curves than bones. 

They hurt her so deeply.

She and I have very different body image issues. Whereas I'm always looking to tone down the curve, she wants more of them!

*sigh* We're never quite content are we?

The initial when did this become more attractive pictures were replaced with other juxtapositions, some pitting beautiful models against very overweight women in bathing suits and some noting that pin-up curves and severely overweight rolls are not equal (which supposedly was the "unspoken response of men everywhere.")

I actually saw one posted today by a gay guy on facebook that contrasted female models with a dog in a striped, turtleneck sweater. I don't mean to make light of the issue of sin, but given his particular outlook on life, I actually found that one kind of funny. I suppose, thick or thin, he couldn't care less.

Society has always told us what was "pretty." At some points in history being overweight was a sign of opulence and was very attractive. Now, society screams that it's laziness and a lack of self-discipline. 

You know what it is actually? It's a body.

It's a body that will eventually age, no matter what its shape. It's a body that houses a soul and a spirit that is worth far more than the temporal cage that surrounds it. For those of us who believe, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19), and for that reason, should be treated with respect, but like the tents of the Hebrews in the wilderness, these temples are all temporary.

Each and every one of us was knit together in our mother's womb, all planned before the earth saw its first day: each person precious, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139).

Now, our goal is to actually believe all that because, let me tell you, knowing it hasn't stopped me from sobbing in despair because my body isn't what I think it should be...because I'm ashamed. It hasn't stopped my precious, gorgeous daughter from being insecure about her body.

Why? Because we're walking on Satan's territory and he is the author of lies and shame. He speaks through "society" in direct opposition to truth.

The truth is that we are all precious. The truth is that God loves each and every one of us, whether we have come to know Him or not, but He longs for each one of us to seek His presence.

And the truth is that He cares far more about what's inside our bodies than what's outside. When we look at the picture of the capable wife in Proverbs 31, her body type isn't mentioned, but her strength, capability, wisdom, and kindness are. The same is true of Peter's description of a valuable wife.

Strength and honor are her clothing,

and she can laugh at the time to come.

26 

She opens her mouth with wisdom

and loving instruction is on her tongue....

27 30 

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

Proverbs 31:25-26,30

Your beauty should not consist of outward things

like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes. 

Instead, it should consist of what is inside the heart 

with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit,

which is very valuable in God’s eyes.

1 Peter 3:3-4

Or, if you prefer, we can take a look at what God says about outer beauty when inner is lacking:

A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.

Proverbs 11:22

Pretty decoration on an ugly creature...awesome.

I would love to say that these Scriptures always make me feel better. The reality is that I aspire every day to be the picture of the Proverbs 31 wife, but most days I fall pitifully short. The reality is that I still yearn to be beautiful in my husband's eyes in a worldly way as well as a spiritual way, and this is most noticeable on days when I fail at both. 

Nevertheless, the point is this...

Comparing our beauty to others' will never fill the hole, no matter how great or horrible we find ourselves in comparison. The only thing that will fill the hole is a deep relationship with God, clothing ourselves every day in the righteousness of Christ Jesus. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether big or small, immensely overweight or waifishly thin, we are no more beautiful in the eyes of God than when we are seeking Him. And we will be no more beautiful in the eyes of those who treasure us on earth than when we're seeking to emulate His Son, Christ Jesus.

So today, when you're tempted to feel ugly in comparison with others or to bolster your self-esteem by looking down your nose at someone seemingly less attractive, take a moment to just look inside. Assess the situation there and determine to make it a more beautiful place. 

That's the only surefire way to really be more attractive. Not more attractive than the person next to you, but more attractive than the person you were yesterday, and hopefully, less attractive than the person you will be tomorrow.

Photo credit: Amanda Truth Photography

(Note: Using pictures of me doesn't denote that I think I'M these things...I just try to use pictures that actually belong to me as much as possible. LOL)