Does this picture shock you? Can you imagine looking like this? This is the face of a girl who gave more than most of us could ever dream of giving, all for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And she is still smiling. Below are portions of a blog post from jcrobertsspot.blogspot.com that express my sentiments perfectly:
I receive a monthly newsletter from The Voice of the Martyrs (if you don't receive it, I recommend you contact them to do so - it's free - www.persecution.com). This month, the cover is a picture of a woman, Yubelina, from Indonesia. She was burned in an attack by Muslims on her Christian village.
But she is smiling. A huge smile. Joy radiates from her. Why?? She must receive stares. Children are probably afraid of her. The world would call her damaged. Ugly.
Yubelina has figured out where her identity lies. She is a treasured child of the King. She has traded "a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning" (Isa. 61:3). Her smile reveals Jesus.
Yubelina is beautiful. I guarantee she has a joy, a contentment, that no name-brand, trendy clothing; no perfect haircut & makeup; no flawless skin or toned body can bring.
I want to be beautiful like that. I want my face to shine like Moses, because I have been in the presence of God. I want my treasure to lie in heaven & not in the tangible, the material. I want to be joyful & content & full of peace.
Jesus, make it so.
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
-Isaiah 61:10
Wow, great post! It reminds me of how outer beauty doesn't matter, but the inner heart, full of good works, defines our beauty. Thanks for posting this; it is such an important topic for girls to understand and apply.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cosette! I'm so glad that you found something in this :)
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