I later found out from personal experience that this Botox “friend” was determined to cling on for a bit longer - 5 months. No kidding. But I figured at least it wasn’t permanent - there’s a blessing if I ever saw one. And did this “friend” keep its promises of preventing wrinkles from making my face its permanent home? Well, let me put it this way, because my cheeks were now over-worked weightlifters every time a smile crossed my face, I was eventually left with a map full of lines under the corner of my eyes from the constant strain they endured. The lone wrinkle now had many pals to keep it company.
A lesson here? You bet your sweet bippy! My vanity led me straight to the place I was so desperately trying to avoid....aging. Now past the tortured 20’s, I clearly see that true beauty is not in the exterior of a person – this shell we live in. It comes from your soul, your heart, your eyes, the words that come from your mouth. I’ve seen aesthetically gorgeous people with no souls and it’s a sad and ugly sight to see. And I’ve seen unattractive people with incredibly beautiful souls that shine so brightly that I all I see is beauty. I’m at peace in my skin now because I know my value doesn’t lie in the status of how many wrinkles I have on my face. My beauty and value come from how I treat and connect with other people; and with knowing that God and the people in my life love me no matter what. As the Bible so wisely points out: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment....Instead, 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. (1Peter 3:3-4)
PREVIOUS PAGE
