Who Am I: Am I Pretty?

I stare at my reflection. Am I pretty? Do I live up to the standards of the other beautiful girls that surround me constantly? If I wasn't super pretty, would people still accept me? Would they be able to see past my appearance and love me for who I am? Am I "pretty enough" that someone would like me? Pursue me?

I pondered over these thoughts a few months ago, though they still pop up often. A girl had just told me I was "really pretty, omg!" plus I had recently discovered another guy liked me. You're probably asking, why was I denial if that had just happened? Well, because that was one of the first someone outside of my parents/family told me it. And what shocked me more- the girl was Caucasian, saying it to an Asian!

All my life, I've struggled with my appearance. People had told me I wasn't that pretty, had a fat nose…I told myself I was ugly, had super non-complimenting uglier glasses. People told me I looked like I was thirteen or younger. I told myself I'd never be as pretty, mature looking as my sisters. Beauty was an insecurity of mine that only grew as I grew, though I got better glasses and grew up a bit more. And I'm still struggling with it. The vast majority of girls - and guys, too - are insecure about how they look. Even the prettiest ones, those who seem all put together. They're not perfect, though sometimes I tend to forget that. They're just as human and broken as you, and they need Jesus as much as you and i!

  How did I learn to overcome it? I learned about inner beauty- and I remembered that when God made you and I, He said it was very good. He says that you are beautiful. He made absolutely no mistakes when He created you - a beautiful, unique human. He handpicked every tint and color of your hair, every freckle, every birth mark and every little detail. You are beautiful in His eyes, and if other people can't see that deep beauty that every single one of you have, do you really want to be friends with them? Married to one of them? Once you grow old and gray, will they still love you - the you behind your outward appearance?

And what I mean by inner beauty- it's basically who you are inside, in that you are full of the characteristics God desires you to have. You are full of His love, His joy, His kindness for others, and then you express that to others. It is sooo much better than being outwardly pretty - though that not a bad thing! But would you rather have a drop-dead gorgeous/handsome friend/spouse who was super self-centered and mean or a not-so-pretty friend/spouse who loves and respects and honors you for who you truly are? Someone who sees beyond the outside and loves God with all of their heart? I don't know about you, but I pick the 2nd option, hands down!!

And honestly, people are naturally drawn to nicer people - and people who exemplify Christ. Even if they're not Christian, there's something about God's love shown to everyone alike through someone that always attracts others to it.

So, are you pretty or handsome? YES- God has made you fearfully and wonderfully made. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! Likewise, make sure you treat everyone else equally -regardless of what they may look like. Never judge by outward appearances.

But most importantly, are you beautiful both inside and out - do you exemplify Christ?