Sunday, December 11, 2016

Girl at the Mirror


 

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

1 Corinthians 13:12

Image is a powerful thing. And there, perhaps, is nothing more potent, image-wise, that that of our own reflection in the mirror.

One of my favorite art pieces is that of Norman Rockwell’s “Girl at the Mirror.” It originally appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on March 6, 1954.
 
 

And, even though decades have come and gone, its truth still resonates: a female, longingly viewing her own reflection in the mirror. We are left to fill in the blanks of what she is thinking.

Is she happy with what she sees? Does she see herself as fat or ugly? Is she judging herself against another female?

In Rockwell’s famous artwork, we see, for ourselves, this girl, probably around age twelve, is at a crossroads. She has, strewn around her, both a doll and lipstick. She also has a magazine in her lap, opened to a page featuring Hollywood film star and beauty icon, Jane Russell.

Again, the items may look dated in the piece, yet, universally, most females have, at one time re-created this scenario for themselves.

I did. And part of the destructive nature involved the fact I did not know and apply God’s estimation of me.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...”

Proverbs 23:7

His definition of my reflection, is, after all, radically different from any cultural view or time period.

“‘…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”

1 Samuel 16:7

Therefore, it would do us all tremendous good to look at His perspective as we look at our mirror reflection...

 “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. And, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

James 1:22-24

Provided below are some affirming scriptures concerning our beauty and our value. Both are beyond skin deep. God is besotted with us, rejoices concerning us and considers each of us masterpieces of His Creation.

Therefore, see yourself, your true reflection in these scriptures!

Song of Solomon:

1:15: “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.”

2:14: “O my dove…let me see your form…for your form is lovely.” 

4:1: “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes...”

4:7: “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.”

Love and celebrate who you are!!!

 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

Copyright © 2016 by Sheryle Cruse

 

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