Beauty Comes From Within

Dear Sister,

Do you struggle with the reflection in the mirror? I do and honestly, some days I love it, some days, I hide. I suffer from cystic and ocular Rosacea. Devastated by the diagnosis, four years later, I have learned much from it. While most times it is managed through meds and self love, when I have a flare up, it can really mess with my mind and my heart. Recently, the perfect storm arrived for a breakout- this is my battle and this is how I choose to rise.

• Prior to my flare up, I went to put on makeup and heard a whisper, “Makeup. What are you trying to “make up for?” It really stood out to me. I’ve sat on that since my flare up which has kept me from being able to put anything but my face lotion on.
• Don’t get me wrong, there is something about makeup that I truly appreciate (especially on those really good mirror looking back at me days). It widens my eyes, helps me to feel awake and refreshed, and some days, it really helps to make me feel pretty.
• But with cystic and ocular Rosacea, there isn’t much you can do to cover that up, so I have to cling to the truth. The truth that I am enough with or without makeup. The truth that my children still hug me tight, my husband still loves me and my friends choose to look past the outside.
• Today my sisters, I share this with you simply as a reminder that your true worth isn’t on the outside, it isn’t in your weight, it isn’t in the house you live, car you drive or even the title you hold at work. Your worth comes from God Himself Who carefully knitted you together with unique attributes that ONLY you possess.
• So sweetness, the next time you look in the mirror and begin to criticize, switch your lens and look through the eyes of your children, lover, or friend……. you will certainly view yourself differently.

” Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4