Yesterday's blog wasn't meant to fish for compliments. (Honestly!) I just thought it was hilarious that someone could be so tacky (thank you, Mindy! perfect word!) and I was tickled to be considered in a previous decade, age-wise. But it was that little flare of conceit and vanity which popped up that made me stop and do a little self-assessment.
I'm frequently told that I don't look my age (and occasionally, that don't act it either.) I guess there has to be some benefit for having had oily skin as a teen, for staying out of the sun or religiously wearing sunblock because I quickly become sunburned, and for never having been a smoker. All those things play havoc on the skin. I also come from a good gene pool (thanks, Mom and Dad!) with longevity in my DNA. So while I liked the compliment, I realized that I don't look that young any more. I know that my face has more wrinkles than a few years ago. And as I drove home from the salon, I entertained for just a few minutes the idea that I might get my hair lightened or streaked or whatever you want to call it. While I love my stylist because she listens to me and doesn't give me a cut that can't thrive largely on neglect, she is in a business of selling beauty.
But this idea of "selling beauty" gets at a deeper issue. Who am I, anyway? What helps me see my true value, my purpose for living and life goals? It is not what is on the outside. Unfortunately, that's what is getting pushed on our kids at a younger and younger age.
Last night I channel surfed waiting for the news to return from a commercial break and came upon one of the most dreadful shows I've seen recently. (That says a lot.) It was the "Little Miss Perfect"pageant show on WEtv. I think that their advertising executives have chosen to promote the show from the seediest angle possible. Check out this clip which is their promo:
Sickening, isn't it?
That a girl (and her parents) can only consider self worth based on their beauty, glitz, talent and a "WOW" factor is wrong. Judges and parents keep telling a little girl that she has to present her "total package" yet it is all based on externals... what happened to her intellect, her gifting, her concern for others, her passions and interests, and, ultimately, her calling? These words from Proverbs 31 came to mind...
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
I'm not the perfect parent, and I will continue to make mistakes... but God help me if I communicate to my girls, or any of their friends, that what is on the outside is more important than the character and the heart of the person beneath!
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3 comments:
Ever since reading your post, it has gone around and around in my head. Maybe because I like you so much. But what that woman told you was just plain wrong and it irks me! I think I have more trouble with it than you did! ha!
I was even thinking about it this am while I was getting ready thinking * she really should call the place and tell the owner what that woman said*
WE should not be judged by how we look at all. It should come from the inside. I think what bothered me is that she did not let it go...she went on and on about something that was not her business.
That show is creepy.
I am so tired of people judging on how others look physically.
Well, to her credit, my stylist was NOT happy. I am sure she said something because she cares about her clients.
But honestly? It was kinda funny. And I did need to do some looking in the mirror - of the soul-kind! ;)
That show IS creepy. Simply creepy.
That show is HEINOUS.
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