Years ago, tears streamed down my sweet baby girl's face as she said in broken sobs, "Momma, I don't feel pretty." The outfit didn't work, the hair didn't straighten right, it didn't work for her that morning, and she didn't think she was pretty. You know what? I get it. I do. I have spent the better part of my forty-something years not feeling lovely. And whether you're a young girl or a mature woman, it matters.

When we were formed, the Creator knitted the feeling of and desire for beauty and loveliness into our fabric. However, we will always be deceived if we act on what we feel at any moment. We must learn to connect physical and spiritual beauty based on unchanging standards – God's.

God says we are beautiful, without flaw, captivating, and altogether lovely, even on days we don't feel pretty!

Women struggle to have a healthy perspective on beauty when the world constantly bombards us with mixed messages about beauty and appearance. For instance, commercials often show women using beauty and body products to create a particular look. At the same time, campaigns champion body positivity and self-acceptance. We need to understand God's view of beauty to be grounded and protected from so many messages. This requires reading what His word says about it. Let's look at what the Lord has to say.

Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. "

You are made in God's image! Just like a snowflake, each of you is unique. No two people are alike. You are a masterpiece of God, and He wants you to realize this when you look in the mirror. Try saying Psalm 139:14 every morning before looking in the mirror. For a daily reminder, tape the verse to your mirror!

1 Samuel 16:7

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

As this scripture about beauty illustrates, the world focuses on what people look like outside. God, on the other hand, focuses on what people are like on the inside. Is being pretty on the outside more meaningful to you? The older you get, the more you'll meet Christian women fighting aging, striving for ageless, flawless bodies. They get the perfect tan, find the right lipstick, and find the perfect outfit. Although it's natural to want to look and feel beautiful, we must keep things in balance. This verse reminds us that enduring beauty is within the spirit, not the body. God would rather see us seek beauty on the inside.

Proverbs 31:30

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. "

You'll constantly be unhappy when you get wrinkles, or your weight creeps up if you're most concerned about your outer appearance. Many people derive their self-worth from looking a certain way, so it can be difficult to accept when their appearance changes due to aging or weight gain. This can lead to unhappiness and feelings of lack of worth. God wants us to fear Him. That means we should be amazed at Him and all He has accomplished. We must remember that our physical appearance is fleeting, and true beauty comes from our relationship with God; when we focus on that, we will find lasting joy and contentment.

1 Peter 3:3-4

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

This scripture about beauty does not mean braiding your hair or wearing high-end clothes and jewelry is wrong. This verse was written to warn women not to follow Egyptian women's customs during that time. These women spent much time caring for their hair and makeup and choosing the best outfits. Women should strive to become beautiful on the inside - beauty that lasts forever. For instance, we can look to examples of biblical women such as Esther, Sarah, and Mary, who were known for their beauty, but their inner beauty, faithfulness, and courage were most celebrated.

1 Timothy 4:8

"Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important. It promises a reward in both this life and the next."

Exercising and being in shape is great, but God expects us to maintain our spiritual health. Perfectly shaped bodies will not last forever, sisters. We can nourish our souls by reading our Bibles, praying, and communing with other women who encourage us in the Lord. Let's be women pursuing holiness, purpose, and light in darkness. They hold beauty that will never fade.