A Breath of Fresh Air

via Daily Prompt: Value

My Breath of Fresh Air is Value yourself the way your Heavenly Father does.

In my Sunday School class, we were talking about 1 Peter 3. There was a discussion about 1 Peter 3:3-4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 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.” What was Paul trying to say? Should women not care about their appearance? Should I undo my braids? Should I get rid of all my jewelry? No makeup?

For many years, I had insecurities about my appearance. I wanted to be wanted and loved. I thought that I needed to change my looks and live up to “society’s expectation of beauty.” You can watch the news, go on social media, and go anywhere to see what is “hot and trendy.” When I could not look like the pretty girl, my confidence would lessen. I would devalue who I was and belittle myself.

It was not until my mom told me that a relationship, children, looking a certain way, a career, etc. would not fill my heart; only God can do that. My mom told me that I needed to love myself from the inside out the way my Heavenly Father sees me. So I had to learn to value Bianca. Yes, I am a driven, smart, beautiful person. God did not make a mistake when He made me. This revelation came about 3 years and I have been valuing me ever since then.

Women are allowed to wear jewelry, braid their hair, and look/feel beautiful but that should not be the only thing that defines us. Inner beauty should reflect the “beauty and essence” of who a woman is. My hair, clothes, and jewelry may change but I am still the same Bianca. I am beautiful from the inside out. Why shouldn’t I value myself?

I would like to encourage you with these words: You are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the Universe. You are not anyone’s mistake or burden. Value who you are in the here and now because Jesus loves you.Your inner beauty should be the light that others see. Jesus can fill that hole in your heart. Don’t devalue yourself. Love yourself. 

I leave you with some truth in God’s Word:

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.-Luke 12:6-7

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.-Philippians 4:8-9

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.-Romans 5:8

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.-Zephaniah 3:17

Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.-Psalm 100:3

 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.-Ephesians 5:1-2

Blissfully,

Bianca