If you had the opportunity, how many of you would change the way you look right now? What would you have changed? I have heard many responses such as “I wish I were taller.” “I wish I had larger breasts.” “I wish my nose was smaller” and on and on. Research shows that girls report feeling unhappier with the way they look after watching music videos or celebrities. However, they do not know that many of those stars have changed their looks because they didn’t like the way they looked.
Look girls, I know it’s tough out there for you. You struggle with body image issues, media bombardment, broken families, bullying including cyberbullying, drugs and alcohol abuse, stress and peer pressure. Some of you never feel perfect enough. Whether it’s the way you look, the talents you do or don’t have, the friends you have or don’t have, the need to constantly reshape yourselves until you fit in…the pressure is always there. You’re dealing with boys, dating, you have school work, a crazy home life, and are thinking about your future. It’s no joke. To intensify the matter further, our culture tries to convince you that you amount to nothing more than the sum of your body parts. Seemingly, the emphasis on sexuality undercuts all efforts to instill purity, dignity, accountability, manners, dreams and goals. Our culture is way too consumed with outer beauty rather than inner beauty. We are not nearly as concerned with inner beauty such as our hearts, our gifts, our personalities, serving, and loving others.
While make-up, hairstyles and fashion are trendy and fun, that’s not what makes you beautiful. Beauty comes from knowing your worth and being confident and comfortable with your own gifts, talents and abilities. We were all created with a purpose. Your value rests in who you are, not in what you do, what you wear, what you drive, where you live or how you look. Rob Liano said that, “self-respect, self-worth, and self-love, all start with self. Stop looking outside of yourself for your value.” We can find happiness when we become satisfied with the way we look and believe in the power of your unique beauty. Your power is confidence, intelligence, kindness, caring, loving and serving others which reflects your worth and beauty. Know your worth. You are a BE U Girl….beautiful, extraordinary and unique.