There is an old saying which I have proved to be right many times and that is ‘ you can’t judge a book by it’s cover’. Or, you can’t judge a person by how they look on the outside.
There are some people who look really scary but when you get to know them they are quite gentle and caring. There are others who may seem very personable but are devious and deceitful. So how can you tell who to cultivate friendships with and who not to?
If you give people enough time, what is in them will eventually come out. In other words, you will know them by their fruit, or lack of it!
Young women seem to be more susceptible to falling for the wrong type of men. They are so caught up in the ‘falling in love stuff’ and in hooking him in, that they don’t pay too much attention to character. Charisma wears off but character remains and believe me when I say that men of character are to be highly prized and sought after. He may look like a real hunk, but take a photo, things change through the years! Don’t rush into any relationship based only on appearances and you wont get burned. Take your time and get to know the person and let your relationships be built on a good, true and open foundation. This also applies to work, business, family and friends.
In today’s world, beauty is a highly desired commodity, but physical beauty alone can’t buy happiness. Ask any film star, model or TV personality and they will confirm that to be the truth. Now you may not score too high on the beauty side but it is what is on the inside that counts. You also have to understand that many of the photos of the models on the magazine covers you see have been airbrushed so what you perceive is really not what that person looks like. This is the age of computer generated photos and films, plastic surgery, botox and all sorts of stuff to make you look younger, taller and slimmer! I am five foot one, so unless I wear 8 inch heels, I am never going to look taller! Rather than break a leg, I have chosen comfort and safety and won’t wear higher than 2 inch heels. I did have a rush of adrenaline to my head one time in Macy’s, New York. I bought shoes with very high heels. I have worn them on occasion but they slow me down and I have to have a handrail or wall to hold on to. Not a pretty sight! Don’t internalize the messages magazines and media send out and you won’t be preoccupied with your looks and attaining the perfect body and owning ten pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes!
Maximize your good features and your wonderful personality. You are unique, one of a kind, so stop comparing yourself with others. Just be yourself and enjoy life. Sounds like a good idea to me!
Dress to flatter your shape. I see so many people, men and women, wearing clothes that don't have enough cloth in them to cover! If you have huge thighs and a big stomach, tight leggings with a short tee shirt won’t do it for you! The same is true of you are skinny. The tight jeggins emphasis your bony body!
Use make up. Thank God for Estee Lauder! Believe me when I say, you don’t want to see me without my makeup on. Not a pretty sight! I wear a foundation called Double Wear. Like ‘Single Wear’ wont cut it with me. I need coverage. If my wrinkles get any deeper I will need to get a quotation from a cement company to fill them in!
Physical beauty fades but a good character makes us beautiful. Realize your self worth comes from God and don’t look for the affirmation of others before you can be happy. If you do, you will never be happy. You are not a mistake or an accident. You are special and you do have a great purpose.
Don’t get scared when you see a crowd of young people with scary faces and weird style. We have many of them come to the youth nights we host at our church and underneath the make up are some of the most caring people you could meet. I just love to be around them. They gladden my heart. Don’t judge by appearances. Not every young person who wears a ‘hoodie’ is a hooligan!
Don’t cross the road when you see them. They may be our church youth, or maybe even my grandchildren!
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.
Now, in everything there is a balance. First appearances do count, especially at job interviews, so use wisdom and make a good first impression.
Sparkle wherever you are and choose to shine and stand out in any crowd. You are unique, and you can make the difference to someone by just being yourself and not consumed by self!
For myself, I make the best of how I look, but I concentrate on my inner self too. I choose peace over unrest. Joy over heaviness.
Appearances do matter, but in the whole sphere of life, it’s what is on the inside that will determine your destiny and your happiness.
Life is so daily, so make the most of it. Squeeze all you can from it and be a blessing to everyone, regardless of how they look.
Nan
