Beauty...

Recently a friend shared at devotions about beauty... She gave the example of gold being refined. The process takes an incredible amount of heat, but when it's complete one can see their reflection clearly in the purified gold. So too, our heavenly Father sometimes "turns the heat up" in our lives. While the process may be uncomfortable, painful, or even down right agonizing - we can be assured that He is working in our life. When He's finished - we will reflect His glory and beauty in our life.

I've struggled with the concept of beauty a lot. Honestly, my self image isn't that great. I know the verse from 1 Samuel 16:7..."The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." But, in our western society when the external is the focus - I have a hard time really living that verse.


Tani helped me with that. Mind you this is still a struggle for me, but by God's grace I'm seeing things a bit clearer each day. Take a look at these pictures:






This little girl went through the fire - literally. We reconstructed a nose for her, but still her badly burned face and body can't be overlooked. But take a second look - her smile can you see it? It's what communicates the inner beauty. Tani will give you a hug in a heart beat, say "I looove you!", and you can see a little creases forming under her one good eye as she breaks into a smile. Yes, this little girl is truly beautiful - you can't help but see it.

Lord, I thank you for refining fires. I haven't been through anything like little Tani, but I praise you for the work you are doing in my life. Let me reflect your beauty - from the inside out!