Braids or Curls: What REALLY Matters

Every girl wants to feel beautiful. At least, most girls do.  We spin around in little tutus when we're little, or maybe wear Mama's high-heel shoes.  We paint our nails, wear lipstick, and we dream of being a princess.  We dream of being beautiful.

Then, we grow a little older.  We still have a desire to be beautiful, we just express it differently.  We spend time doing our hair, and we like ti shop for cute clothes.  We do our nails, some wear make-up, and spend money on all sorts of items that are guaranteed to make us more beautiful - but sometimes even that doesn't seem to be enough.

So, what should we do?  Buy more clothes, work out more, and keep comparing ourselves to others??? Um, not really.  Let me tell you something. *Whispers*: God loves you just the way you are.  Did you hear that?  God loves you (yes, YOU) just the way you are!

The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:3-4, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, 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."

What God really cares about is your character.

You might be thinking, "Well, that's good, but guys like beautiful girls right?" Sure, but guess what? There's something else, too.  "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30).  And, "a wife of noble character is her husband's crown." (Proverbs 12:4a).  So, character does count everywhere!

What is good character?  Well, it is doing the right thing.  And doing the right thing - no matter what. The Bible says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." (Philippians 4:8).  If we think about good things, our actions should mirror them.

So, what matters? Braids? Curls?  Not really.  Having good character and loving God with all your heart is what counts.