In a society where woman are constantly being told they are too sexy, too prudish, too revealing, too innocent and a million other terms, a horrifying new trend is creeping its way into social media. The general idea of 'selfies' and 'likes' may seem innocent at first, but nowadays, girls get upset by the number of low amount of 'likes' they receive. This problem is so staggering that now girls will even buy apps to get 'likes' on the Instagram photos... Shocking, right?
As a 20-year-old female, I have little to no confidence with my appearance. Sure, friends and family tell me how beautiful I am, but the sad truth is, society makes me question my skin, my hair, my weight and my overall appeal. I have even been asked before why I hardly ever post selfies. Well, to be perfectly honest, I hate selfies. I despise the idea that I will be rated and judged by 'likes' on my photo. I cringe at the notion that girls internally compare themselves to another based upon the approval of others behind a simple button. I am not saying there is anything wrong with taking a photo of yourself and sharing it with the world, as I have done it as well. However, the fact that girls will delete a photo after a few hours because it only received a few likes? That is crazy. But that is how society has brainwashed many of us into thinking.
I do not aspire to be seen for my physical beauty. Rather, I want to be seen as humble, genuine, thoughtful, passionate, considerate and real. I want to be a woman who is beautiful on the inside, something that you cannot see behind a filter and Photoshop. I want my confidence to come from Christ, and not from the momentary glee that a bunch of 'likes' brings to a person.
In 1 Peter 3:3-4, we are told, "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."
Physical beauty fades, yet the power and love of Christ can, and will, shine through you all the days of your life, so long as you allow Him to reveal Himself to you. Our warped society would have you believe that a woman's sex appeal is of utmost importance, which is sickening. Many of us, myself included, fall victim to this lie that we have to be the skinniest, the prettiest or have the finest clothes, yet that is not the true power of Christ. A beautiful spirit, an intriguing personality and an all consuming love of God is where true beauty comes from. Not from 'likes', not from adoration of our peers, but from God himself who uniquely designed each one of us with our own beautiful qualities. Feeling confident in yourself and posting a selfie is in not harmful, until you allow it to consume you and you let the idea that 'likes' define your beauty. Allow a renewing of your heart to take place and for God to fill that void in your heart.
Proverbs 31:25, "She is clothed in strength and dignity, and laughs without fear of the future."
