January 31, 2009

Genuine beauty

This is Farah Fawcett Majors, then and now. Time and illness have changed her appearance to be sure; but I can't help but wonder if she feels the same inside now as she did on the picture on the left. I posted this picture for one reason; namely for the married men out there who remember their spouse as she was when they married her. Age doesn't have to destroy beauty, because true beauty is found in the inner spiritual nature of a person. Consider this passage from the book of first Peter:

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives--
1Pe 3:2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
1Pe 3:3 Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing--
1Pe 3:4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
1Pe 3:5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their husbands,
1Pe 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
English Standard Version
Genuine beauty does not age because it is love personified; a love that goes beyond outward appearances and seeks the ultimate good of others at its own expense. This involves understanding, consideration, concern and a thousand other things I could never put into words, but I think you get the idea. Often it means submitting to the will of the other, but I assure you it is worth it. One more thing, if you show genuine love to those who have genuine beauty, both become stronger and just grow and grow and grow, to the point where you can't even imagine life without your loved one; and that is beautiful!

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