Challenging for Growth

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

I am sure we all have heard the term of looking for someones true self from the inside and not the outwardly appearance they give off. We read it and think we understand the phrase, but we still fall into the trap of the world's standards of how someone should present themselves. I consider this to be another one of my greatest struggles. I have noticed myself wasting time away, trying to look presentable for people I don't even know. From the hours of putting on make up and trying to find the right outfit to contemplating which picture is "Instagram worthy." These tactics typically hides all of my insecurities from others to see. I noticed my true self fade as I scrolled through the filters and experimented with clever captions. I felt myself distancing more from the image Christ has blessed me with. I am not only talking about your appearance, but the way you perceive yourself around other people. I have been known to be a chameleon, blending in with certain groups to gain their approval. This can include the things I wear, or the opinions I share with others. I almost forgot who I was or what I stand for. How did I get so far from who I really was, just so I can impress the everyday bystander who has no significance in my life?

From this realization, I decided to challenge myself this week in hopes to grow my confidence in my authentic self. Thats right...No make up week! That has been huge struggle, I constantly feel like I need to perfect my image in order to have confidence for the day. The days I go without pampering myself, I feel the need to hide from the world. I challenge everyone to step out of their comfort zones and ignore societies noise. God made you this way for a reason, your heart is incredibly precious. He loves you for the ways he created your heart, let that show.

<3