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Monday, May 5, 2008~ "Lies Women Believe" Book Discussion 5 ~
So, were you challenged this week? I am really looking forward to reading all of your thoughts to the question about finding balance between displaying ourselves as the royalty we are and not falling into the trap of focusing too much on physical beauty.
Discussion on Assignment #5
Questions #5 and #6
I want to focus my discussion today on the issue of our beauty as women. Our society is so focused on beauty. There are so many lies thrown at us that it is hard to keep the right perspective sometimes. Let me tell you a little about some struggles I have had with the beauty issue. There was a time in my life (years ago) when I would hardly go out of my house without make-up on. Somewhere along the way I had fallen for the lie that I wasn't pretty without make-up on. As I began to really think about why I wore makeup, I realized that I felt ugly without it. So I took a huge step and decided to not wear makeup anymore - at least for awhile anyway. That was such a liberating step for me. That was around 8 years ago! And to this day, I very rarely wear makeup. Now - I'm not saying wearing make-up is wrong. But for me, I had to take that step of not wearing the makeup because I didn't like how I looked without it. And I wanted to be okay with how I looked. Scripture tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am beautiful to God the way I am. I don't need to make myself up with all kinds of lipsticks, eye shadows, etc. to be pretty. (Let me say again...I'm not saying makeup is wrong. ) Every now and again, I'll put a little makeup on but now I can do that without feeling I have to wear it to be acceptable. I have the freedom to wear it or not to wear it. Interestingly enough, I've gotten to where I don't really like to have it on my face. I find I don't miss leaving makeup marks on my hubby's shirt because I laid my face up against his shoulder. I'm so glad I can kiss my hubby without getting lipstick marks on him. I don't miss mascara smudges on my eyes because I cried. It's been so freeing!
As to the proper balance between displaying ourselves as the royalty we are and not falling into the trap of focusing too much on physical beauty...I think the keys might be what our motives are and how we see ourselves. If I'm trying to get all decked out because I feel unacceptable if I don't, then that would not be a right motive. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this issue.
Our Memory Work
"'Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
- John 8:32 (NIV)
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..."
- Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Assignment 6
Reading
Read Chapter Four. Read pages 91-114.
Questions I have decided not to give any discussion questions this week. This chapter is lengthy. For your posts next week, share what is on your heart at that time for Chapter Four.
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If you'd like to participate in this book study, please read the book study information by clicking here. After reading the information, you can join in with us each Monday.
Lol..I thought I would miss out! My new blog was given an unexpected helping hand by my child and well...spent most of the day correcting the things that was apparently wrong with it. LOL
However, I don't have the book Lies Women Believe ... not quite sure what gave that impression. :) It looks like an interesting book from browsing the index at amazon . . . . and I'm glad ya'll are enjoying it. :)
Psalm 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Our society and culture in its abundance has defined a certain type of beauty that is based mostly on material possessions. I challenge us a swomen who love Jesus to search the scripture for what God defines as beautiful. Train our children, both boys and girls, to look for in people a virtuous women.Train our own eyes to see things that are virtuous. We need to revisit who we are in Christ. Wisdom, kindness, not idle, children and husband praise her,willing worker, rises early, honors her husband, stretches her hand to the poor, plants vineyards: these are the things that the Psalms encourage us to look for in a "virtuous woman". The Fear of the Lord is wisdom. Our physical beauty can be taken from us at any moment. Eternity is our gift. I don't have the text, but the title sound wonderful. Blessings on this journey.
Bluebird,
Thank you for your comment. Society does place huge emphasis not only on material things but on externals. Our society also gives the message that aging is not a good thing. We see everything from anti-aging creams to methods to eliminate wrinkles. It is really sad. May we, as Christian women, grow old gracefully, accepting what each stage of my life offers and grasp what God has for us in each season.
I grew up in a ministry family. The daughter of a preacher, I definitely fit the typical mold of a preacher’s kid. I have had many life experiences including being a pregnant teen and single mom, experiencing divorce, and more. All of my life experiences, good and bad, have molded me into the person I am today. I have an intense desire to see women live in the freedom Christ came to give them. I myself know the prison of bondage and the liberation of Christ.
) Every now and again, I'll put a little makeup on but now I can do that without feeling I have to wear it to be acceptable. I have the freedom to wear it or not to wear it. Interestingly enough, I've gotten to where I don't really like to have it on my face. I find I don't miss leaving makeup marks on my hubby's shirt because I laid my face up against his shoulder. I'm so glad I can kiss my hubby without getting lipstick marks on him. I don't miss mascara smudges on my eyes because I cried. It's been so freeing!
