You Are Beautiful

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” that’s according to John Keats. Beauty queens may say that line, too. But what if you don’t have that inherent quality?

Having born with Caucasian features as fair skin, chiseled nose, stand-out height, and other western characteristics are considered attractive. (At least in this occidental-minded Asian country.) Like the celebrities, models and prominent figures you see on TV ads, glossies, and movies, almost all of them are of Hellenic origin. Otherwise, if you look too common as a typical Joe or Jane, you will never pass even as a head turner. Worst, if you were fat, handicap, deformed, or simply put someone-not-so-well-endowed, you just have to accept the fact that you are classified by this society as “ugly”.

Now, that’s unfair! Why is it that some people are naturally beautiful while others are not? Did God intentionally allow this to happen—causing instant fame and glory to some; while lifetime shame and humiliation for others? Well, to respond “God works in mysterious ways” is too profound (or too sarcastic!) for many ordinary people like you to understand. And without a more convincing reason, you’ll just have to contend with your unlucky fate, and eventually feel self- pity for the rest of your life. However, there is another way of looking at it on a “fair” angle. If you can only turn around and have a second look on yourself.

In the privacy of your own room, do this simple procedure. Stand in front of a mirror. Without your artificial adornments (make-up, jewelry and fancy outfit), look at yourself very carefully. Don’t focus on your acne-laden face or dry brittle hair, and don’t even pay attention to your horizontally-challenged body. Instead, examine yourself and contemplate on your wholistic being. Then ask yourself, “Am I that ugly? Am I really deprived of all comely attributes?” Give yourself a few silent moments before you answer those questions. If you think you’re not, then you don’t look bad after all. But if you still do not have the confidence to say, “I’m beautiful!” then you better start looking on a deeper perspective. From skin deep down to your innermost being, you can do a natural make-over to unfold your innate beauty…

1. Be Good-looking

In our visual-stimulated society, it’s important to maintain a pleasing personality all the time. But you need not visit a beauty salon or undergo a cosmetic surgery to achieve a gorgeous face and sexy physique. Just keeping up a tip-top condition is all it takes to be naturally appealing. By just being presentable—wearing neat and comfy get-up, practicing proper hygiene and good grooming, you can already give a good impression. To achieve a well-proportioned body, you have to sweat and burn calories by a regular exercise program or any moderate activity to be fit and trim. Forget about your addictions—nicotine, caffeine, alcohol and drugs. They can only add more years on your face, and at the same time lessen your time on earth. (Dangerous chemicals kill!) And of course, balanced diet (more fruits, veggies & fish; less meat and dairies) is a must to discourage any illness by taking in essential nutrients, instead of excess salt, sugar and bad cholesterol. With a fresh, agile and healthy body, you will definitely look and feel good. Reminding yourself from now on that your body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6: 15, 19), you will find a lasting inspiration in taking good care of it.

2. Pause and Move with Grace

Whether you’re a man or a woman, the way you stand, sit, walk and pause adds or lessens the quality of your personality. For instance, a lady who walks on the office hallway in a clumsy manner is a major turn off. So is a man who slouches awkwardly while eating lunch on his lazy chair. To improve one’s posture, stand with an erect bearing; placing one foot on a step to stand comfortably. When sitting, keep your thighs parallel to the ground, and your feet flat on the ground. At motion, walk straight with your head centered over your neck without jutting forward or tilting sideward. Swing your arms gently while brushing your feet in alternation. Whether you are in static position or dynamic movement, always find your body’s center of gravity to achieve equilibrium. By doing this, you balance yourself with less effort, and move by all means in a graceful fashion. Avoid bad mannerisms as clenching teeth, tightening facial muscles or hunching shoulders up the ears for they ruin your over-all bearing. Try to relax to conduct your activities in utmost refinement. In any social gathering, being prim and proper in speech and gesture is the formal order of the occasion. Mastering the art of posture and etiquette can greatly enhance your general look.

3. Show your Beaming Face

There’s nothing more beautiful to look at than a smiling countenance. That’s why glossy magazines are attractive to the buying public because they display faces that radiate cheer and inspiration. If you wear that hot-tempered face everyday, you better start stretching up those lips to your ears. One way of putting back your grimace is to play like a child. Finding delight in little things as basking under the sun or reading a book makes one grin in contentment. You can also maintain that sunny smile by not worrying too much. Less stress means more fun. And when problems strike, count your blessings. Afterwards, your blues will surely disappear and be instantly replaced with all the colors of the rainbow. In terms of beauty and medical benefits, it’s better to smile than to frown all day. So, for more beauty points—smile!

4. Develop a Blooming Character

Character is what a person’s essentially made of. Whatever is inside of you, it shows outside whether you like it or not. Usually, ill-natured people have more facial lines (wrinkles), experience psychological disorders (as paranoia), and suffer health complications (as heart disease) than others. They exhibit a grouchy, hard-featured expression that repulse and even intimidate people from getting close to them. While a benevolent person has a cheery outlook and teeming charisma which naturally attracts people around him. Therefore, a person who exudes virtuous character has magnetic personality.

5. Speak of Good Cheers

A modulated voice as of a radio disc jockey, or singer’s angelic aria brings melodious sound to any listener. Having such splendid voice is truly an asset. But if you want to be more vocally charming, use your tongue to amplify your good character. It doesn’t matter if you have a squeaky tone or provincial accent. For the person with the most lovely voice is the one that speaks of good news. Those who berate and tell lies habitually, or say cuss and profane words frequently are liken to a monstrous mouthpiece. While the one who says compliments, assertive remarks and truthful things to fellowmen vibrates with positive energy. For glad tidings are music to anyone’s ears; and its messengers are looked upon as angels of light.

6. Radiate with Spiritual Aura

Any Christian who deeply believes in and relives the words of the Almighty God shines in an awesome way. Science cannot explain this aural phenomenon yet only people sensitive of spiritual things can sense it. Having that absolute faith within, you will light up with the glow of the Holy Spirit. If you believe that God created you in His own image, then you better erase that false notion about yourself—that you are totally displeasing and void of any good quality. For as long as you call upon the Lord’s name, you will forever be a vessel of divine blessings. There’s no doubt that the Master of our universe is a Creator of beautiful things. And if God is beautiful,
so are you!

Yes, beauty is more than meets the eye. Physical attributes are pleasing to the human senses yet intangible qualities are more delightful to the spirit. By changing your point of view, you will see your hidden charm. By transforming your heart, you will divulge your genuine beauty.

Remember: Whoever you are, in the eyes of the Lord…you are beautiful…

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You are beautiful because…

1. You are created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26-27)
2. You are one of God’s children. (John 11:52)
3. Among all God’s creations, you are the greatest. (Genesis 1:28)
4. You are a special being. (Psalms 8:5)
5. You are blessed. (Matthew 5:3-12)
6. You have grace of God. (John 1:14, Titus 2:11)