The things I have to say are going to be taken the wrong way by some. I will probably be viewed as "down-playing" real beauty simply because I am jealous or insecure or because I know I could never look like these girls. That is the farthest thing from the truth. I know what real beauty is and it isn't the fake beauty promoted by this fashion show or by our culture. (SIDE NOTE: How is it real beauty when many of their bras are designed to "add up to 3 cup sizes"? Isn't that fake?)
It is sad that so many girls idolize these models. It is unfortunate that so many guys encourage it. The fact is, a Christian's life should not and CANNOT be defined by this stuff. Am I saying it's wrong to shop/own VS? Not at all. To wear it because it is quality stuff that lasts is fine. I'll be the first to say that their stuff is made well. And within a marriage relationship, I see no problem with the lingerie. But to obsess over these models and to obsess over the outward appearance and to aim for more "sex appeal"? That is a problem. To promote this lifestyle is not okay.
I'm so thankful that this student at Baylor University speaks out about this issue. His voice should be heard across the nation. Girls and guys alike need to hear it, take it to heart, and live it.
Truthfully, the VS models may be "perfect" on the outside. But honestly, the lifestyles they live is ugly to God. The outside can be immaculate, shiny, and appealing. But if they don't respect themselves enough to save it for their husbands, the inside is probably pretty nasty. To prance across a stage with little to no clothing is not beautiful to God. It disgusts Him and it hurts Him.
To female readers, you are beautiful. And it is good for you to care about your appearance. I care about mine. I wear make-up. I enjoy dressing well. I even like to accessorize. And yes, I wear VS undergarments because it makes me feel confident and because it lasts better than other stuff. All of that is fine! But don't allow your outward appearance to become the most important thing to you. The most important thing is who you are. If you are the most beautiful girl on earth, it doesn't mean much to God unless you're living the way He wants you to. Fixing up on the outside is not wrong unless it becomes a priority over fixing up on the inside.
Here is a challenge I give both to myself and to other women: What if you spent as much time beautifying your heart as you spend in front of the mirror, beautifying your body everyday?
It won't be easy. You won't turn heads when you walk into a room. The attention-getters are the ones who are all glitz, glamour, and flesh. And they get the attention for a few seconds. However, the ones who live God's way will attract the guys who will love you for who you are. Living God's way will lead you to a Godly man and it will lead you to a lasting, thriving relationship with someone who sees your outward beauty, but values even more your inward beauty.
Think of yourself as a beautiful, perfect rose. When you dress provocatively and males see you, they mentally consume you. Each time you go out dressed this way, you are mentally consumed by a number of people. You are a rose, being handled and handled and handled. The rose will become crumpled and lose all of its petals. What is left for that special man you marry? Nothing but an old, ugly stem. You gave it away to everyone else-strangers you didn't even know. And now there is nothing special to give to your husband. Keep your rose pretty, beautiful, perfect, and pure. Have a special gift that is worth giving to your husband on your wedding night.
Be a Proverbs 31 woman.
This video is by a guy in college a Baylor, who isn't afraid to tell others what he is looking for in a woman:
