"Beauty comes from within." That's always the phrase you hear when people talk about beauty, but what does that really mean? What is within you that makes you beautiful?
If you have any sort of social media, beauty and style are easily defined. Beauty and style come from what you wear, how often you are getting attention, and how much other people admire you. This worldly idea of beauty and style was my identity. I would dress provocatively for attention and to feel beautiful, but within I felt ugly and ashamed. When I began to seriously pursue God, my perception of beauty was one of the first things He called to mind. Why did I feel the need to dress provocatively? Why did I want to have the best style so I could post on Instagram to get attention? Why did my hair and makeup have to be perfect to feel good?
I'd love to say I figured it all out and instantly became a new person, but that would be a lie. It's been three years since I graduated, and Jesus intentionally and intimately continues to show me what beauty is. Psalm 27:4 says, "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." As I grow in the Spirit every day, the Lord reminds me that beauty only comes from within when His Spirit dwells in me. When He dwells within you, He defines you. He satisfies you. He redeems you. He changes you.
As I approach beauty and style now, I am overjoyed because I can share it with God. I know that no matter my outward appearance, I am adored and loved by my Father in Heaven. Modesty is no longer an oppressive idea, but a way to honor God in the way I dress and present myself. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "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."
In covenant with God, wearing jewelry and fun hairstyles is not a sin, but it is all about your motivation. Now don't get me wrong, I take so much delight in dressing up, and the Lord has shown me He delights in it as well. God delights in everything we do that glorifies Him, so next time you're out shopping or struggling to find the beauty within you, ask God how he sees you, and take His word as truth.
Sincerely,
Simi
-- a girl who still struggles to fully understand beauty, but leans on the Lord every day to find out what it is.
S I M I O L O W E
Simi Olowe was born in sunny El Paso, TX, and currently lives in Houston, TX. She works full time as an Education Associate for a skincare company called Topicals, and part time as a director of Public Relations for a creative agency called Royal Creative. Fun Fact about Simi is that she was once in an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition along with the rest of her private school which was one thing that sparked her love for movies and acting. To learn more about Simi, head to the link below to connect with her!
Instagram | @simiolowe
LinkedIn | Simi Olowe