In The Eye Of The Beholder

Last week, my students watched the short film above produced by the DOVE soap people, showing that what you see is often an illusion. When we finished, I had my students answer the following:

After watching the Dove commercial, how do you think society defines beauty or attractiveness? Do you think the definition changes over time? How do you think God would define beauty/attractiveness? Cite examples.
 Several of their responses are below and are used by permission. Like it or not, beauty and its allure are potent in our culture!

I think society defines beauty as people who have good bodies or perfect hair. Beauty to society is defined by the girls who are photo-shopped or Abercrombie models. I think the definition of beauty has changed over time. Models back then were not as pretty as models now, because our judgement of beauty has changed greatly. I believe God defines beautiful as all His children. I think that He defines all of His children as beautiful because He created us all. He cherishes us all and knows we are beautiful.

                                -Marissa Banfield

Society has corrupted our view of beauty and attractiveness. When Marilyn Monroe was alive, she was the icon for beauty. But the thing is, she was not as skinny as a stick-  she had curves. Yes, I believe the definition of beauty changes over time. Twenty years ago or more, a woman with curves would be considered beautiful, and for lack of a better word, “sexy.” Now in this age a woman with curves would be considered fat and unattractive. A man without a six pack or a flat stomach is considered ugly or not attractive. I believe society is wrong, but it has corrupted my eyes and at times I can look past that and see the beauty, the God sees in all of us. God looks at our hearts instead of our looks. Coach Hawley once told a story about a name tag in chapel and on one side is the names others would call you and on the other side is what God would call you.God never looks at your clothes or your makeup; He looks at how you act.

                                -Maggie F.

I would define someone who is not just beautiful on the outside but also has a beautiful heart. I am a strong believer of the saying that an ugly heart ruins a beautiful face. But I don’t think society looks at the right thing when judging beauty. They say you have to be under 100 pounds, have defined cheekbones, a small waist, and at least be 5’8. And if you’re not “perfect” they will find a way to change it. But society is wrong. Society doesn’t understand what it means to be beautiful. Although we try to be the beautiful society wants us to be. Now, God, on the other hand, doesn’t give a flying-fadoodle what you look like. Of course, He wants you to be respectful to yourself and be modest, but He made you just the way He wants you to be and that is all that matters.

                                -Brittany 

Our concept of beauty is changing over time. We like big bright eyes, straight noses, long black hair, and skinny legs. But we have different opinions and different cultures and sometimes we judge a person by his or her looks. But God never judges a person by their looks. God defines a person for his or her personality. A person should be faithful and have a heart filled with peace and goodness, trust God, and obey His laws. It is not about looks. Average or handsome, His love will never change.

                                -Paris 

Applicable quote of the day:
“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.”
Sophia Loren

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1

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E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com