As I left the hospital Sunday evening, my attention was drawn to two little boys cavorting back and forth in the corridor, jackets winging behind them. In their father’s arms nestled their baby sister, barely visible in her hooded pink coat. Mama and Daddy were deep in conversation.
While passing them by, a strange phenomenon caught my eye: Mama was barefoot.
One of my alter egos, Sherlock Ruegg, began ruminating why a woman who was otherwise well-dressed for a Midwestern March evening, would be without shoes. Did she just receive emergency care for one or both of her feet? There was no sign of bandages.
A few moments later as I loaded my belongings into our SUV, the family of five came into view again. Poor Mama was still barefoot and hobbling along on her heels, no doubt to lessen the impact of freezing cold pavement on her feet.
Then I spied the evidence I’d missed before, and the explanation became clear. Mama was clutching stiletto heels in her hands. Obviously, the pain inflicted by the shoes was worse than that of frigid concrete.
(Don’t these look comfy for a long trek?)
Oh, what we’re willing to suffer in order to look fashionable, glamorous, and beautiful.
“Beauty” became my word of intentional focus for 2019 when I kept encountering such quotes as:
“Beauty is a fountain,
emanating from the core of our souls
and bubbling outward,
overflowing.”
—Kristen Armstrong,
Work in Progress
What lovely imagery Kristen provides for the beauty that begins in our souls and bubbles up to our faces in cheerful expressions, ready smiles, and twinkling eyes. Such beauty overflows into deeds also.
But an ever-flowing stream of loveliness is impossible to maintain on our own. We must allow God to do the work within us.
“God in his mercy
is shaping us into
what is useful and beautiful.”
—Eugene Peterson,
Run with the Horses
And what does our Heavenly Father consider beautiful? (I’m pretty sure high heels don’t make his list.)
Thus far I’ve collected these descriptors and scriptures:
- Strength and dignity (Proverbs 31:25)*
- Wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31:26)*
- Encouragement, peace, blessing, and witness (Isaiah 52:7)
- Godliness and good works (1 Timothy 2:10)
- A reflection of his glory (1 Corinthians 3:18)
- A calm and gentle spirit (1 Peter 3:4)*
Such a fountain of beautiful attributes can’t help but overflow into the lives of others.
“Every time we reveal [God’s] attributes…
share the good news of Christ…
reflect patience in the middle of an upsetting problem…
smile from the heart or offer an encouraging word…
we are displaying the beauty
and glory of our God.”
—Joni Eareckson Tada,
A Quiet Place in a Crazy World
That’s the key to effervescent beauty. It’s not about our reflection in the mirror; it’s about reflecting to the world the beauty of our Heavenly Father and his attributes (Psalm 34:5a).
“Those who look to him radiant,” wrote King David (Psalm 34:5a).
And just what does radiant mean? In part, glowing or emitting brilliance.
Think of a fresh, dew-drenched rose or a multi-faceted diamond glittering on black velvet or the dancing glow of the Northern Lights—all examples of radiance.
What’s our response to such sights? We’re mesmerized, compelled to stare and take in the glory of such luminosity.
Radiant beauty does that; it seizes our attention.
Just so, there is within all of us the potential to be captivatingly beautiful people—drawing attention to our God of luminous Light who is perfect in beauty (Psalm 50:2).
* * * * * * * * * *
Heavenly Father, as I strive to take in all your glorious magnificence, may I be open and mindful, allowing such meditation to achieve full effect upon my heart. Then I’ll become transparent, able to reflect your beautiful, radiant Light.
(Psalm 19:14; Colossians 3:1; Philippians 2:14-16)
*Yes, Proverbs 31 highlights the virtuous woman, and 1 Peter 3:3-4 also addresses women, but such qualities as strength and dignity, wisdom and kindness, composure and gentleness, are mentioned elsewhere in scripture and are just as attractive in men. Am I right, ladies?
Art & photo credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.pexels.com (Daria Shevtsova); http://www.pexels.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.flickr.com (Javcon 117); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.canva.com.
From the Inside Out 
Cannot agree with you more. A happy woman is a beautiful woman, and the same for a man.
As always love to read your post.
Thank you, Lucia. You are so right: faces radiant with the joy of the Lord ARE beautiful–no matter the age!
Beauty is great. But comfort is sure greater n longer lasting.
An interesting observation, KRCC. Please comment again and share your thoughts in greater detail.
Great post! And I loved the quote by Joni Eareckson Tada.
I SO appreciate Joni’s writings. Glad you found this quote worthwhile, SDP!
Great post … thank you for allowing your detective nature to lead you to such a beautiful conclusion …and thank you for sharing it with us. What a blessing today!
Thank you, Heidi. Such a privilege to bring you blessing!
good thought and much to ponder. I quit wearing heels a long time ago. LOL. and love your detective and observing nature. That is a sign of a good writer, you know.
Thank you, Jean! I too quit wearing heels a long time ago. I’m all about comfort these days!! 🙂 And speaking of observing, you reminded me of a Henry James quote I still strive to live up to: “Try to be one of those on whom nothing is lost.” It’s valuable for us as writers; it’s valuable for us as children of God too.
Hi Nancy,
Good observations into real life application. Yes, beauty from Jesus transforms the ordinary yet also is more tangiable set in real life.
In Christ,
Gary
Thoughtful commentary as always, Gary! Tangible (as in material, concrete) beauty in a person’s life IS much more valuable than mere prettiness. And praise Jesus for his transforming power to make us into God’s beautiful handiwork (Ephesians 2:10)!
Psalm 34:5 is such a special verse I have seen come to life in many precious women who were able to surrender their past hurt and shame to our merciful, gracious and forgiving Lord… the transformation was so beautiful! Oh what a Saviour… He often uses our deepest hurts as tools to minister His amazing grace to others! I am so thankful He is still at work in me… helping me more like Him!❤️
AMEN, Lisa! Jesus DOES accomplish amazing, transformative work, and it is a wonder to behold. With you, I am so thankful He is still at work in me, helping me be more like Him. Hallelujah!
At first I wondered how she wore those shoes to the hospital as she prepared to deliver her baby. Then I thought maybe her husband brought them to take her home since her original clothes had been removed that first day. Now I will never know! Why didn’t you ask her? Oh well. Such is life. 😊
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Wonder no more, Grace! I failed to make clear that the baby was probably eight or nine months old, sitting up straight in Daddy’s arms. Mama had NOT just been released from the maternity ward!
Beautiful post, Nancy. We can see beauty everywhere if we’re looking for it.
So very true, Bill. As we learn to be better observers, we’re all the more blessed for the effort!
This post reminded me of a phrase I remember hearing while growing up: “Pretty is as pretty does.” And as for the shoes…I’m paying the price for wearing those high heels with pointed toes to work all of those years! And I love this part of your blog…”That’s the key to effervescent beauty. It’s not about our reflection in the mirror; it’s about reflecting to the world the beauty of our Heavenly Father and his attributes (Psalm 34:5a).’ The past few years I’ve tried to make an effort to smile more while passing people at stores, etc. I feel that if I’m to represent Christ and look for opportunities to share Him with others I should display the joy of knowing Him on my face…regardless of what kind of day I’m having.
Oh, yes! The joy of knowing Jesus should be displayed on our faces! (You have one of those faces that exudes peace, too! 🙂 )