I was at the library today and I overheard a teenage girl walk by another girl she didn't know and say, "You are so pretty." It was a completely sincere compliment. But the second I heard her say that I felt a twinge and immediately thought, "Why didn't she say that to me?" I've been thinking about why this bothered me and why that was my immediate reaction. I know it doesn't really matter what some random girl thinks of me and/or my beauty. But for some reason, I still wanted that admiration/compliment. I think this is a common thing for girls/women. We all want to be seen as beautiful. We all also have our own insecurities and struggles. I've grown over the years and most of the time I accept myself and the way I look. I try not to dwell on my insecurities or perceived flaws. But this wasn't always the case. In junior high and high school, I don't recall ever thinking I looked pretty or attractive. Whenever anyone complimented my appearance, I usually immediately dismissed it as them just being nice. Sometimes that young, teenage girl in me comes back out and I start to doubt myself and the way I look. I think this is the case for many women. Those deep insecurities we developed in childhood and adolescence come out either randomly or when we're feeling particularly vulnerable. God knows this about us-He created us after all. He knows sometimes we need to be told we're beautiful and special. He knows when we want other people-both men and women-to think we're beautiful. The thing is He is the only one who can give us the complete confidence and security we crave. It's God-confidence, not self-confidence. He wants us to see ourselves through His eyes. And what He sees is someone absolutely stunning and breathtaking. No matter what flaws we see in the mirror. God wants you to know, "You are so pretty."
Here's a couple of good books I've read that address more of what I've talked about:
Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge
A Confident Heart by Renee Swope
Psalm 139:14 NIV "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
