In a world obsessed with filters and airbrushed perfection, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly makes us beautiful. We chase fleeting trends, compare ourselves to unattainable ideals, and believe our worth hinges on external validation. 

But what if I told you that your real beauty, the kind that shines from within and leaves a lasting mark, has nothing to do with societal standards or the fleeting opinions of others?

In this vein, behold my gift to you, “5 fundamental truths about your God-given beauty!”

5 Fundamental Truths About Your God-Given Beauty 

1. Your beauty began from the moment of your conception.

God looked at His creation and said, “It is very good” (Genesis 1:31). To think that from the moment God, the Author of Life, breathed His Life into your soul, your beauty came to be – this thought is an opportunity for much reflection. From the very moment you came to be in your mother’s womb, God bestowed His Image and His own Beauty on you. 

This beauty doesn’t decrease based on your external appearance or your feelings or thoughts about yourself. Every scar, every mark, every “imperfection” on your body tells a story and is a testament to your unique journey with God. Along this this, the imperfections you perceive as not good are actually beautiful and gives others around you permission to accept all of themselves, too. 

Embrace every part of you, especially features you are naturally not fond of. Every thing good that comes to us is a grace, so ask God for the grace of complete self-acceptance.

2. You are beautifully made in God’s Image and Likeness

Genesis 1:27 isn’t just a cute saying, it’s a profound truth. You reflect God’s love, God’s creativity, and God’s beauty. Write this down! Stick it in your journal, put it on your mirror, or anywhere you need a reminder. Believe it. You are God’s handwork. 

One of my favorite go-tos when I start to doubt my own self-image, beauty, and God’s truth about me is this: I gaze on the Holy Face of Jesus. There is a growing devotion to the Holy Face, and I find it fitting to behold the Face of Our Savior in order to remember whose we are. 

3. Less truly is more.

You know what makes your soul even more beautiful? Godfidence! Not worldly confidence, no! Godfidence! Godfidence shines brightest when you let your natural beauty take center stage. So, if you are a woman, try going makeup-free one day a week, especially if there is a day you tend to wear a little more makeup. 

Trust me, it’s liberating! If you are a gentleman, set one day out each week to adore Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Pour out before Him any insecurities, worries, or self-doubt you may have about your value, your material possessions, or your physical appearance. In a world that idolizes wealth, body shape, and status in society, we can reclaim our sense of self-worth by presenting to Our Lord all that threatens it. 

Are you ready for a secret weapon of appreciating yourself exactly as God made you to be? Here it is: smile whenever you see yourself in the mirror. That small act can unlock a whole new level of rightly ordered self-love. After all, God made us all, and He saw we were very good (Genesis 1:31).

4. True beauty blossoms through a relationship with God.

Dedicate some time outside Sundays to connect with God. Visit a church for Mass during the week as your schedule allows. Plan a weekly hour for Eucharistic Adoration, or simply to pray and journal in His presence. Ask your guardian angel to inspire you about what time of day to set aside 10-15 minutes to simply be with Our Lord.

In this blossoming relationship, seek Our Lord, talk to Him as you would a best friend. Pour your heart out to Him. Give Him your joys, sorrows, worries, aspirations, everything. Praise Him for all the good He has done. Fervently ask Him to speak to you. And like a child, listen to Him and be present to receive His love. Through this connection, we discover the depths of our value, worth, and innate beauty.

5. When we realize our God-given beauty, we live a life of freedom.

This freedom comes from detachment from the world’s unrealistic beauty standards, pressures to apply filters before sharing our photographs online, trends to stock up on every newly released skincare product. When we deepen our relationship with Our Lord through daily prayer, His grace will help us not only be free, but also more discerning about how to be a good steward of God’s gifts in our lives. Diligent in proper self-care. 

Whether it’s going to bed on time, getting enough water, stretching, or simply taking 10 minutes of quiet time in the morning, these habits are virtuous when we diligently care for our souls and bodies. This care reflects our personal belief of truly being made in God’s Image and Likeness and our Godfidence in being temples of the Holy Spirit.

Remember always that you are made in God’s Image, beautiful from the inside out, and nothing in this fleeting world will change that.

I wish to conclude with some of my favorite beauty affirmations based on Scripture verses and bite-size prayers. May these be a source of encouragement for you and a reminder of your worth:

I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God, beautiful inside and out. (Psalm 139:14)

I am enough, exactly as I am. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

In the Name of Jesus, I reject the lie that I am not as beautiful as I am.

In the Name of Jesus, I reject the spirit of shame, guilt, and fear.

In the Name of Jesus, I claim the spirit of peace and joy.

Amen.

 

Image: Photo by Candice Picard on Unsplash