As I write this, there are many things in my life right now that display the beauty of God. My brand-new baby niece, who (praise God) is growing up thirty feet from this blogging couch. She is a medical miracle, and a gift from the Lord of life. The ominous storms we've heard the last two days have finally blown over, revealing brilliant blue sky and streaks of sunlight coming in through the window. I listened to a sermon at church this morning on John 9, God's inescapable glory displayed in disability. And I have a family who loves me, and whom I love. Beauty.
One of my purposes in writing this blog is to seek to minister to others, women especially but men as well, who struggle with the concept of physical beauty as I have (and still do). In order to do this, I've created a Heart of God booklist that I'll add to weekly. Each book on this list was chosen prayerfully. The authors may write from different angles and time periods, but all of them address beauty, God's and ours. I pray that each book might serve to open your eyes to the exceptional beauty of our Creator and the beauty with which He sculpted you.
**Note: I'd be remiss not to say that the Bible should be the first place we go for insights into beauty. This list should really start with number 2.... Thus, it will :) **
2. Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge.
3. Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.
4. God's Passion For His Glory, by Jonathan Edwards. (This link is to a book/commentary on this essay written by Dr. John Piper, but you see the Edwards text as well. It's meaty. It's wonderful.)
The books that will be put on this list are books that I have read and can wholeheartedly recommend to you. I will not put any resources on this blog that I don't support myself either theologically or stylistically.
Enjoy. Drink deep. Worship.
~Grace Marita
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Isaiah 52, Bandaged Feet Seeking Wisdom
My black dress heels have been in poor shape for some time. Scuff marks around the toes, scratches along the sides. The stiletto heels look like they've been munched on by a tiny dog (which may well have been the case), and the metal spike in one heel has long since worn through the rubber on the bottom. For weeks I had a very distinctive stride around the office - tap click tap click tap click... it was impossible to mistake me for someone else.
The time finally came when I decided to replace them. After searching two or three stores, I found a pair that seemed to suit me. They were very similar to my previous pair - black patent leather, slightly pointed toe - and a whopping four inch heel.
I was a little hesitant to try to work the heel, but I thought it would be okay.
Oy.
This morning I put them on in my usual rush to get out the door while trying to walk the dogs, fill their dishes, put them in kennels, and grab a lunch for myself. By the time I got out to the car a sense of foreboding was spreading over me... I knew it was a bad idea to buy these dreadful black things but it was too late to turn back.
Needless to say, my day was spent baby-stepping along the hallways of the office while co-workers gaped at my sky-high purchase. Beauty is pain? No. Our idea of beauty is pain.
The most interesting reactions came from some of the men I work with. They cast a look at my feet, shook their head, and sighed while remarking, "I don't know why women kill themselves wearing those things."
Isaiah 52:7 reads, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news!" Whether we choose to wear heels, sandals, or just go barefoot in life, it's not what's on our feet that makes us beautiful. It's the message we bear while on our feet, the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Our beauty is wrapped up in completely knowing that we are His, and that we are sent. We put Band-Aids on our blisters and walk through life proclaiming, "Jesus! Yeshua! Messiah!" The life of Christ.
(Side-note: If your call is to go trekking across the mountains to tell people about the saving work of Christ, don't plan to wear 4-inch patent heels.)
-Grace Marita
The time finally came when I decided to replace them. After searching two or three stores, I found a pair that seemed to suit me. They were very similar to my previous pair - black patent leather, slightly pointed toe - and a whopping four inch heel.
I was a little hesitant to try to work the heel, but I thought it would be okay.
Oy.
This morning I put them on in my usual rush to get out the door while trying to walk the dogs, fill their dishes, put them in kennels, and grab a lunch for myself. By the time I got out to the car a sense of foreboding was spreading over me... I knew it was a bad idea to buy these dreadful black things but it was too late to turn back.
Needless to say, my day was spent baby-stepping along the hallways of the office while co-workers gaped at my sky-high purchase. Beauty is pain? No. Our idea of beauty is pain.
The most interesting reactions came from some of the men I work with. They cast a look at my feet, shook their head, and sighed while remarking, "I don't know why women kill themselves wearing those things."
Isaiah 52:7 reads, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news!" Whether we choose to wear heels, sandals, or just go barefoot in life, it's not what's on our feet that makes us beautiful. It's the message we bear while on our feet, the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Our beauty is wrapped up in completely knowing that we are His, and that we are sent. We put Band-Aids on our blisters and walk through life proclaiming, "Jesus! Yeshua! Messiah!" The life of Christ.
(Side-note: If your call is to go trekking across the mountains to tell people about the saving work of Christ, don't plan to wear 4-inch patent heels.)
-Grace Marita
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