Conquering Insecurities, Finding Confidence.


We all have fears. We all have insecurities. It's one thing to know we have them, it's another how we deal with them. 

 As a young woman in her mid 20's, I'm starting to learn more and more about myself. I'm learning that I'm more of an outgoing introvert than an extrovert. I'm learning that I'd rather read or go on an outdoor adventure than watch TV or a movie. I'm learning that it's okay to share my hardships. Most importantly, I'm learning that it doesn't matter what people think of my outer appearance. 

 1 Samuel 16:7 says this: The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

 I recently sat down with a good friend of mine to just catch up on life, and what we feel the Lord has been teaching us. As I began to tell her my struggles as of late, having to do with my skin, she stopped me and said something I replay in my mind every single day. She said, "makeup doesn't mask your personality, your personality and heart shine through". No matter what clothes I wear, how my hair is done, what makeup I have on, it doesn't matter. 

 1 Peter 3:3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, 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.

 That verse, along with those wise words from a sweet friend, I felt so free. I also felt encouraged and moved to write this post. 

 Now I'm not saying to not wear jewelry, or get your hair done ever, or not buy cute clothes, that is not my point. 

 I feel as though the world's definition of "beauty" has missed the mark. Everyday the world is telling girls and women alike, "be like this, or do this, and you will be beautiful". You know what God says? He looks at us and tells us how undeniably beautiful we already are. 
I just want women of every age and size to realize how truly wonderfully and fearfully they were made. On this journey I'm on, I'd like to encourage girls to really look in the mirror, and name everything they like about themselves, every single day. I want girls to realize that it may be your outer appearance that may draw someone in, but it is what is on the inside that keeps people around. 

 Christina Aguilera got it right in her song:
I am beautiful no matter what they say.
Words can't bring me down.
I am beautiful in every single way.
Yes, words can't bring me down... Oh no.
So don't you bring me down today.

 People's words can bring you down, but God's word will always lift you up. 

 YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE ADORED. YOU ARE LOVED. 

 Embrace that and run free on your journey. 
Running Free with JC,
xoxo Andee 

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