I am not perfect.

I have flaws, imperfections and several mini-quirks that can cause anyone to turn the other check. I count my steps when walking from class-to-class, enjoy listening to washing machine noises, and try to look up-to-date only to realize that I am three days behind.

I am not perfect.

I like writing and editing papers during my free time, laugh at the dorkiest things and randomly dance whenever my favorite song plays at the grocery store — or anywhere, really.

I am not perfect.

I hide my imperfections with makeup, push myself to be the absolute best, and still cry in my car when I feel lonely and overwhelmed.

I am not perfect.

I find myself to be constantly under the impression that I need to perfect. Successful women always have their lives and things together, look sharp and walk with enough confidence to fill an entire auditorium. I have always thought beauty and perfection go hand-in-hand, and that successful women cannot be considered beautiful if they are not seen as perfect. How will I ever measure up to other perfect women?

The fact is simple: I can't.

I am not Oprah Winfrey, Robin Roberts, Hilary Clinton, Selena Gomez or Jennifer Lopez. The harsh reality is, I was made different, unique, special, and for a specific purpose on this earth whether I like it or not.

In 1 Peter 3:3-4, it reads:

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and 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."

Beauty is not bound by the perfections of our outward appearance but rather by our spirit and relationship with Christ. My worth and beauty is found in Christ, not a price tag or hashtag. Your beauty is worth more than what others have to say. Christ died and rose again for you. He doesn't care what color your skin is, the price of your bag, the quality of photos on your feed, the number of followers you have or the shape of your body. He loves you for the beautiful, precious treasure that you are, that He created you to be.

Believe it or not, you are perfectly, wonderfully, preciously, and undeniably beautiful. That is a fact.

Beauty is not bound by the idea of perfection because perfection is nonexistent.

Perfection is dead.

Go ahead. Let your hair down, laugh at the little things that make you different, say your name with confidence and share God's love with the thousands that surround you.

The beauty within a person resembles the humaneness of the individual.

I am human. You are human. I am beautiful. You are beautiful.