Inside Out

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

   In today's world, people are so focused on how they look on the outside, until they forget about how they look on the inside (metaphorically). Dorothy West said, "Beauty is skin deep, ugly to the bone. And when beauty fades away, ugly claims its own." There are beautiful people who display ugly actions, and these ugly actions will remain well after their physical beauty has faded. Our actions begin with our hearts.  How beautiful is your heart? 

     I long ago said to myself that "I want my insides to reflect my true beauty."  I knew then my physical beauty would fade, but God's beauty would remain in me.  A person's true beauty does not rest in the outward appearance, but the inward condition of their heart. Characteristics of a Beautiful Heart include:

• Kindness
• Patience
• Selflessness
• Humility

  As I write this message, I am reminded of a recent experience in the grocery store, right before the snow storm Blair came through our area. Everyone was rushing through the store as if the sky was falling, and I remember saying to myself, "slow down, it is just snow. Be patient." I remained patient and took my time shopping for the items on my short list. When I got in line, for the self-check out counters, there was a woman waiting for the next checkout counter to open up, she looked at me and saw that I had very few items, and she said, "go ahead, you have fewer things than me and I am in no rush." I thanked the lady and we both laughed and shared a few funny comments while at the check-out counters. This woman’s beauty showed from inside out; her heart was filled with kindness and laughter.  

    We all should strive to develop beautiful hearts and let our beauty flow from the inside out.  We can begin with displaying small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for the next person, or sharing words of encouragement to someone experiencing hardship.  Don't let your beauty fade. 

Where is your true beauty? Inside or Outside?