Heart to Heart: Self Worth & Social Pressures

Women are being fed a very toxic script from society and from the media about who they are "supposed" to be. Women of all ages are ingesting the idea that they are only as valuable as they are sexually desirable. There is prime importance placed on our sexuality so it is no surprise that girls and women are acting out in sexual ways in order to attract attention and to validate their self worth. Whether it's dressing in "sexy" clothing or becoming sexually involved with guys outside of marriage.

This script about worth based on our sexuality really limits what it means to be a woman and to be a human being. It compartmentalizes females as just a collection of body parts and nothing more. But the truth is women are SO much MORE than that. Our value doesn't come from how sexually desirable or attractive we are. Our worth comes from the fact that we are unique, one-of-a-kind individuals created with great potential and purpose and who have been designed and are desired by our Creator.

We no longer have to seek approval, or attention from people because the knowledge that God loves us because of our intrinsic value and not our external attributes frees us from that need of social acceptance. The One who matters most (Jesus Christ), believes that WE (you and I) matter most, so the opinion of others (society, boyfriends, etc.) matters not. Once we understand that and accept that as truth then we can begin to free ourselves from social pressures.

Heart To Heart: Live 31

"I would rather have a Proverbs 31 Woman than a Victoria's Secret Model."

This is a movement started by one young man declaring that he would rather be with a woman who lives for God and loves the Lord than a woman who lives for society's approval and who loves the superficial. He's not the only one. There are other Godly men out there who are also seeking to love and encourage women of faith and virtue. Because they know the truth, which is that there is nothing more beautiful than a woman with a righteous heart who puts Christ first.



For those women who wish to be a Proverbs 31 model - one who models the character of faithfulness and virtue - here are seven principles that will help guide you on your walk.

Ladies, don't let society and the things of this world influence you or trigger insecurities that will lead to you lowering your standards to less than God's best. Instead, strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman, a woman who is loved, admired and praised for her HEART. A woman who is truly beautiful in God's sight and in the sight of good, God-seeking men. Physical beauty fades over time, but true beauty - which is virtue - is timeless.

Guys, be someone a Proverbs 31 woman would want to serve, love and respect so that she can be set free to live it out! You have more power to inspire us than you realize. Don't just look for us, help us to get there! In living by God's standards you will empower us to do the same.

Heart to Heart: Beauty Is In The Eyes Of Our Creator

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. -Ecclesiastes 3:11

Do you ever feel unattractive? Maybe there are certain things about your appearance that you wish you could change. It's easy to look at others and see their beauty, but look at ourselves and see our imperfections. I think it is extremely important to first of all note, that almost everyone thinks this way. Most girls look at others and see their beauty and only see "flaws" in themselves. So you are your own biggest critic! But it's most important to know what God sees. Today's verse tells us that God has made everything beautiful in its time. He is our creator, and we are beautiful to Him! How comforting is that? God made you, and He made you beautiful.  If God made you beautiful, then He will show others your beauty as well. When He brings your future husband into your life, He will show him how beautiful you are. Who cares what everyone else thinks along the way?

Another important thing to note is that He has made everything beautiful "in its time". You might look at your acne in the mirror and think of how unattractive it is. First remember that no one notices it as much as you, then remember that God made you beautiful. It might just be part of puberty that passes, and in time, you will be acne free. Your issue might come more with a physical feature, maybe you think your nose is too big (or too small). While those things probably won't change, God can still use them to add to your beauty. Maybe your future husband finds that attractive, or maybe God wants you to learn to find it beautiful. God doesn't make mistakes. He made us beautiful, we just have to open our eyes to see us the way that He does.

Reflection:

Do you look in the mirror and see yourself as God's beautiful creation, or something less?

Application:

Spend today thanking God for making you beautiful! Praise Him for even the things about you that you don't find attractive, and ask Him to show you your beauty.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for making me beautiful! Thank you for never making mistakes. Please show me my beauty, and help me to focus more on the beauty of your creation, and less on the things that I personally don't like. You are the perfect creator, who am I to pick apart what you designed to perfection? Thank you, Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Heart to Heart: Know Your Worth

"We need to teach our daughters to distinguish between a man who flatters her, and a man who compliments her.
A man who spends money on her, and a man who invests in her.
A man who views her as property, and a man who views her properly.
A man who lusts after her, and a man who loves her.
A man who believes he is God's gift to women, and a man who remembers a woman was God's gift to man.
... And then teach our sons to be that kind of a man."