The Total Beauty of a Woman

Taking a little break from my usual outfit posts. It's a little weird for me to blog with a lot of talk instead of showing you an outfit but this thought has been nudging me for quite a while now so I might as well just let it out. *Smile*

I'm not the materialistic type of person. In fact, capsule clothes, cialis shoes, cialis accessories, handbags, and shopping were never an obsession. I mean I love having those things but in the past years prior to that "difficult time" I've mentioned quite a few times here on my blog and prior to fashion blogging, I can go on months without shopping and buying anything material for myself.

I would go out without make-up and only in jeans, shirt, and sandals. The fact of the matter is…that's still how I am. That's really how I've gone about pretty much except when there is a special occasion. My few close friends can testify to that.

When I started fashion blogging, I found there was a bit of a need to have more clothes, shoes, and accessories; and about half of the short time I've been blogging, I've asked myself: 'Why am I doing this?"

I was trying to find purpose in why I am doing what I am doing because the last message I want to get out there is that "a girl is only beautiful when you wear certain clothes I'm wearing from the brands I recommend." There's already enough media out there telling women they are only beautiful when they are of certain skin color, hair length, of certain body shape and weight and wearing certain brands. This is not the type of message I want to get out there because at the end of the day, the "Lynne Gabriel" that you see in pictures will be in pajamas with messy hair and without make-up. Something that thousands of people who visit this blog will probably never see.

Please don't get me wrong…I do believe about feeling good and looking good about yourself but I also believe that beauty is more than just all these material things. This verse in the Bible from 1 Peter 3:3-4 keeps my perspective always in check and keeps me grounded:

"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."

I do believe that every woman has the right to improve herself if that will make her feel good but that should not be her sole focus. There is a lot more to beauty than just the outer appearance. One can be beautiful outside but miserable inside and usually you can tell when one has no substance, isn't it? The total beauty of a woman comes from her overall character – the way she dresses, the way she carries herself, the way she talks, the smile on her face, the glow in her eyes, and the way she relates with other people. Does that mean she has to be perfect? Does she always have to have it all together? Does she have to make the right decision every time? Absolutely not. Who is like that anyways? Character doesn't come overnight. It is built up and tested and purified with adversaries. It comes over time. The trials, mistakes, experiences, and our responses to these things mold our character. How we respond to the negative things that come our way eventually make up how we turn out to be.

At the end of the day, I don't want to be known as someone with style. I'd really rather be known and respected as someone with virtues. The style part could just be a bonus.  God is a huge part of my being and I want the people to see me as a woman who fears Him. My mom means the world to me and I want people to see me as one who loves my family…who has values, and respects and knows the values of other people. To me, that's beauty.

Please feel free to share your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me some comments below, will ya?