“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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.” (1 Peter 3:4-5 NIV)

photo courtesy of Pixabay

I stood in the door of the classroom and grinned as I watched the children laugh and smile and follow the instructions of the reader as she leads them through movements to match the story she is telling. The children are entranced and do not take their eyes off her as she tells of magical imaginary things. She comes to the class each week to read to the children. They love her, and she loves them. She brings new stories of adventure that keep the children’s attention longer than most.

The first time I saw her, I must admit, I was a bit shocked. She is not very tall and stooped at the shoulder. She walks with a walker and carries an oxygen tank. She has a large scar on her face and wears her hair to cover as much of it as she can.

Every evening she sits at her desk in her modest home and writes stories for the children. She always manages to work in a moral to teach the children the love of God and of His Son, Jesus. Her stories are fun and interesting.

Her life has not been easy. Some would call her ugly. But to the children, there is no one more beautiful. Her beauty comes from her heart and soul. Her beauty comes from her love of her Father in heaven. And she shares this with the little ones, for they see past the physical and look at the beauty within.

And so, we should learn to see people from the inside-out. We need to look for the inward beauty that shimmers through the eyes and smile, and not what’s on the outside alone. We need to see people as Jesus does. Look past the deformities of human life and see the loveliness of the heart. For anyone can dress up the outside, but the inside is where true beauty lies.

And now, we pray…

Father, we ask that You help us look at people from the inside-out. Help us to see the beauty we all carry on the inside. Allow us to see past the ugliness of life and drink in Your love that shines through eyes and smiles. Open our eyes to the beauty You have bestowed in every heart.

In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN!

Beauty (© Barb Witt 9/2019)

About the Author:

Barb Witt is a Christian wife, mother and grandmother who loves gardening, quilting, crafting, writing poetry and devotions, and is working on a children’s book. She has created an email devotional and prayer warrior ministry that she sends out daily. If you’re interested in being added to her email list let us know.