by Ravin
I feel like Leah more often than I do Rachel. The one present but not pursued; accepted but not adored. I have wrestled with the Lord many times in the past few months, asking Him to help me believe what I know is true about beauty. Beauty is not acquired in bearing the image of another image-bearer, but obtained and sustained in bearing the image of Christ, who is Beauty. It is being made continually more like Him—continually less like this world. And it’s so easy for me to speak and write about these realities, yet when it comes to bearing this image, I often seek out the people who have attained the world’s ideal of beauty to validate my value. This is the place where I lament and confess my inconsistent convictions—where I beg for what I know is impossible in my own strength. Here is where this relationship is lived out in vulnerability, dependence and weakness. And where I let my longing draw me into greater intimacy with the One who has made and is making me whole. The renewal of the mind is a severe, costly task of surrender and humility—I am so thankful for the Lord’s grace in the midst of my pride and His patience to bring me back to the truth of beauty over and over again.
Comments