beauty is only skin deep.

So even though I hate to admit it, I did watch Miss America tonight. All the typical candidates were on stage-perfect hair, loads of make up on their faces, fake tans, etc. While I'm sure that the majority of the contestants are wonderful women, I couldn't help but to wonder who they really are-behind the facade that seems to consume them during this contest. This thought stayed in my mind throughout the duration of the show. When it came to the swimsuit portion of the contest, though, I was a bit frustrated. Miss America claims to be all about scholarship, bettering the community, and along with these things, helping girls to have more positive self-images. I couldn't help but to think that while these young women were strutting around on stage in bikinis how this made American girls watching them feel. They said that this portion served the purpose of judging the health and fitness of the girls-if this were true, I would think an athletic competition of some sort would be a better gauge. I was especially saddened to see some of the girls competing were obviously a bit too thin to be healthy. Every bone on the spine and every rib could be seen on a few of the girls. Normally I have a very positive self-image but I even found myself reexamining my own body and being a bit disappointed in comparison with these girls. It saddens me to think that if I, having good self-esteem, look at myself in a negative light after seeing those girls how much worse it would be for other girls who have poor self-esteem. At the end of the competition, the former Miss America spoke about how she made contributions to organizations that help prevent eating disorders. I felt a bit upset because while Miss America herself may live a lifestyle that helps young girls see themselves positively, I feel that she is supporting a competition that doesn't seem to model this. As I pondered this, I was reminded of 1 Samuel 16:7 "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." After remembering this verse, I realized why I was so upset with this whole thing-God doesn't judge us based on how "perfect" our hair, face or body are, He judges our hearts and the love we have for Him and for His people. After this epiphany, I realized (of course, because are we ever truly innocent? haha) that I was judging these girls as well by being disgusted with how "fake" they are. Do I even know these girls?? No! I was basing my assumptions on their outward appearances.

I know this post was kinda all over the place, but my prayer and challenge for us all is that we are able to be positive and encouraging (K-Love! haha) and that our words may be uplifting and used for bettering others.

Titus 2:7a "In everything set them an example by doing what is good."

introduction.

Hey everyone.

So I'm new to this whole blogging thing but I'm going to give it a try. I suppose I should first explain myself. I chose the title of my blog based on lyrics from a Hillsong song (ha, say that five times fast). It's called "From the Inside Out" and from the moment I heard it I saw it as sort of an anthem for my life. The line it's taken from talks about losing ourselves in order to bring our Saviour praise and to me that's a most beautiful statement of surrender.

moving on.

The reason I write most anything is to express myself (as it is for most people). The majority of my blogs will most likely deal with (but are not limited to) my relationship with Christ and the thoughts that go along with it. I know that that's rather vague, but that's all I know as of now. The subject matter of my writings is often what is most pressing on my heart at that time.

I want to end this post with one of my favorite verses. I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this.

Isaiah 41:13
"I, the Lord your God, have a firm grip on you. I'm not letting you go."


One last thing:
I am always open to input, comments, questions, etc. I encourage you to write what is on your mind. If I am going to be honest with you through my writings it's only fair that you are able to be open and honest as well =]