What is beauty?
If you asked ten people to define it, you’d likely get ten different answers. Beauty, as the saying goes, truly is in the eye of the beholder. But while our definitions may vary, one truth remains — real beauty begins on the inside and radiates outward.
In this article, I’d like to invite you to pause and reflect on what it means to be truly beautiful — not by the world’s ever-changing standards, but by a definition that honors who we are: body, mind, and spirit.
Beauty Starts from Within
I believe beauty is holistic. It flows from the inside out and encompasses the spiritual, mental, and physical parts of who we are.
- The Spiritual Component
Scripture reminds us that “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
True beauty begins in the heart — in a character grounded in faith, humility, and reverence for God. Unfortunately, in today’s world, outward appearance often takes center stage, while inner virtues are overlooked.
But spiritual beauty never fades. When a woman walks closely with God, her peace, kindness, and grace shine through her, drawing others not merely to her looks but to the presence of God within her.
- The Mental Component
Our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves shape how we feel and, ultimately, how we carry ourselves.
Sadly, many women today struggle with poor self-image because of what they see on social media and in advertising. Technology has created unrealistic portrayals of beauty — flawless skin, perfect bodies, and “picture-ready” moments that often aren’t real. According to the Office on Women’s Health, these pressures have contributed to increased anxiety, depression, and eating disorders linked to body image concerns.
Social media, while powerful, can also distort our sense of worth (Strubel, Petrie, & Pookulangara, 2018). It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison — measuring ourselves against filtered images and curated lives.
As a clinician and woman, I often hear questions like:
“Am I good enough?”
“Am I pretty enough?”
“Will I be accepted?”
These thoughts stem from deeper beliefs about who we are. The truth is, we must learn to see ourselves the way God sees us. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
When we embrace this truth, it transforms our mindset. Confidence grows. Peace replaces striving. And that inner security begins to radiate outward — that’s real beauty.
- The Physical Component
While beauty begins inside, caring for our physical bodies matters, too.
Looking and feeling your best can be an act of stewardship — honoring the body God has given you. Take time for self-care: pamper yourself with things that make you feel radiant, whether it’s styling your hair, wearing your favorite outfit, or treating yourself to a facial or manicure.
Physical wellness also plays a significant role in how we appear and feel. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and a balanced diet rich in nutrients all contribute to growing skin, healthy hair, and vibrant energy.
Taking care of yourself physically doesn’t mean vanity — it’s about vitality and honoring the temple God has entrusted to you.
Pursuing Holistic Beauty
Here are three simple ways to cultivate beauty from the inside out:
Spiritually: Pursue and deepen your relationship with God. Let His Word shape your sense of identity and peace.
Mentally: Accept and love yourself — imperfections included. Surrender insecurities to God and trust that He can use even your flaws for His glory.
Physically: Invest in your physical health and self-care. Eat well, rest, and embrace the little things that make you feel confident and refreshed.
A Final Thought
True beauty begins in the heart, but doesn’t stop there. It flows into our thoughts, our actions, and even our outward appearance. When your heart is at peace with God and others, it naturally reflects through your countenance and character.
So today, let’s pursue holistic beauty — the kind that transforms us from the inside out and allows our lives to radiate the love and light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
But here is the most important question, and that is… Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? It all starts here. If you want to accept Jesus into your heart right now and begin a relationship with Him, I invite you to watch the video below.
https://youtu.be/qaecBOblNFU?si=7rCdH-ov1M3rLIeQ
#Livingwell
#HolisticHealthGod’sWay – One of my all-time favorite songs that reminds me of where beauty truly comes from: “Jesus, You’re Beautiful” by CeCe Winans.
References
- Strubel, J., Petrie, T. A., & Pookulangara, S. (2018). “Like” me: Shopping, self-display, body image, and social networking sites. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 7(3), 328–344. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000133
- Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Body Image and Mental Health
