Oh, the stinking media. How it has twisted our perception of beauty, women, womanhood…socially acceptable behavior. Who knows how we’re supposed to act anymore?? I tend to go back to the Bible, personally, or Godly women in my life and pattern myself after them.
However, one aspect of beauty that seems to slip by is strength. Physical, mental, AND spiritual (to be fair).
It is beautiful to be strong. Strong in who you are and strong in your body. It translates into inner fortitude if you strengthen your outer self. I am an avid runner. I do not run as much as I’d like, but I run a lot.
Me, looking a little rough after a run
I started running, hardcore, 2 years ago, and the way I view myself has slowly changed along with the contours of my body. Now, not everyone has the same schedule as I, the motivation, or even the desire I have to commit myself to living a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle. It’s a personal decision I’ve made and I love how it makes me feel.
There really isn’t a lot of emphasis on keeping the body healthy, in the world of Christianity, it’s sort of downplayed and jokes are made about those who do decide to keep in shape.
Case in point:
“For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
Now, we all know it’s not discouraging physical exercise, it’s merely saying, if that’s ALL you’re going to do…you’re going nowhere, bub. And I agree! Don’t just focus on the outward, the inward is MUCH more important, but sometimes (and I might be stepping on toes here, but this is simply how I was raised) the outward is indicative of what’s inside. It all boils down to my favorite, favorite word: balance.
There also isn’t much encouragement for people to educate themselves, either. Unfortunately, in this world, to have any merit, a diploma hanging on your wall makes your words golden (at times). People listen if they see you have the creds. Truth.
Strength.
What I'm currently reading, for the second time...
If you take the time to educate, you can influence. This is yet another subject I’m so very passionate about. Education and knowledge. It’s important!
Strength. It’s the new beautiful.
There is a new campaign by Saucony and their catch phrase is: Find your strong.
That really struck home with me on all fronts. Where is my strong in my walk with God, where is my strong in who I am, where is my strong in my commitment to live a healthy lifestyle? I’ve found my strong and I’m making it stronger. It isn’t pretty during the process, but progress is messy, anyhow.
“Strong is what you have left when you’ve used up all your weak”
Me after a run
Join me on FB
Follow me on Twitter
Visit me over at
Amen…great post!! It’s got me thinking about where my strong is. I also love what you said about the outer being indicative of what’s inside.
I was thinking about this…well, I’ve BEEN thinking about this subject. I started working out again (I have some goals) and a family member reminded me that my exercise wouldn’t profit much. I had to remind them that I don’t think God wants us to be lazy and not exercise either. The key to a healthy spiritual and physical life is balance. I definitely have a lot to learn and I do believe that this is a subject that should be revisited often.
Pingback: MoMoMod » More Modern Modesty » Mommy Hobbies: Hey you, Super Mom.