Transformation

Transformation makes me think of butterflies and how they completely change from one form to another. I try to imagine what it would be like to be wrapped up in the cocoon, unable to move while wings grow, and the butterfly goes from just remarkable to magnificent. God’s creation is a picture of how He works, not only in plants and animals and creeping things but in the hearts of those who love Him. I have new anticipation of the future and who I am in Him because, just like the butterfly, He has given me wings. I’m struggling with the words to explain this, but Jesus said to Nicodemus, “you must be born again,” and just like the butterfly, we go through the process of unbecoming the child of Adam to become the child of God. I am a new creation in the eyes of God; it is the process of coming out of the cocoon where I have been hiding the real person I am. This life that I worked so hard to turn into a pile of ashes has sprung new life, and out of it, beauty is rising. Not long ago, I would not have been able to say that out loud. In my mind, the word beautiful is a description of something I see, not something I am. Just the idea of vanity would stop me from writing about beauty because it didn’t pertain to me. Other than gaining some weight and adding wrinkles, my appearance has not changed, but I have. Here’s what is funny about all of this; I became a beauty influencer with a makeup company, and I love it. I’m not the best at putting makeup on; I have never taken a selfie of just me, I have never sold anything, and I am a complete introvert, but my cacoon is cracking open, and I am ready to fly. This world puts too much emphasis on outward appearance and not enough on being a person of value.

True beauty comes from character, confidence, security in my ability, and in the amount of grace I have for others. For years I tried to buy into the idea of loving my appearance just like I am, accepting my curves and not focusing on my imperfections. I find that idea to be a double standard in a culture that sells everything with lust and sexuality. Although it is an excellent concept, I watch women of all ages struggle with joining the worldly view of beauty and the idea that everyone is beautiful just like they are together. I have to chuckle as I write this because I believe beauty comes from within, and I sell makeup? Here is what I know; to be loved, you have to be lovable, to be smart, you have to be teachable,  to be confident, you have to put the best version of you forward.  I am thankful that I don’t need to fit into a box, and I can love wearing makeup and not find my identity in what I look like with it on. My encouragement comes from this deep desire to get out of my comfort zone and love people. Do you know the most beautiful people alive are the ones that love you. Created to shine is the start; learning to sparkle is the gift; becoming “beautiful You” is the process. My value comes from the one I keep my eyes on, and He calls me Beloved!